Kenyan businessman and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party associate Buzeki Bundotich has expressed profound sorrow over the devastating landslide that struck Marakwet East in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The disaster, triggered by heavy rains on the night of Friday, October 31, 2025, claimed at least 22 lives, left 29 people missing, and destroyed over 1,000 homes in the Chesongoch area.

The government has assured support to affected families.

Condolences and calls for strength

In a heartfelt post on X dated November 2, 2025, Buzeki offered condolences and prayers for the affected communities. “My heartfelt CONDOLENCES go out to all the families in Elgeyo Marakwet affected by the devastating landslides brought on by heavy rains,” he wrote, extending solidarity to those grappling with loss.

He further added, “May the souls of the departed find eternal peace, and I pray for swift HEALING and COMFORT for those injured and in the hospital during this difficult time. !! Mutio !!”

His message underscored a call for resilience and hope amid the tragedy. Joining Buzeki in mourning, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru also shared her sympathies on X, stating, “My heart goes out to the families affected by the heartbreaking landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County that has claimed lives and destroyed homes. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to the injured. May the departed rest in peace, and may ongoing rescue efforts bring hope to the affected communities.”

Government intensifies rescue operations

The landslide’s impact has left the region in despair, with rescue operations intensifying on the second day.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reported on the day’s focus, saying, “We have kicked off day 2 of the search and rescue of the victims of the Marakwet East landslide disaster.”

He highlighted the mobilisation of emergency support, noting, “The relief items include 600 bags of rice, 520 bags of beans, 1,000 blankets, 300 mattresses, 30 boxes of soap, and 10 bales of sanitary towels,” which were airlifted to hard-to-reach areas like Chesongoch. Murkomen praised the coordinated efforts, stating, “I wish to laud the continued support of the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, NGAOs, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, County Government of Elgeyo-Marakwet, National Disaster Operation Centres, the Kenya Red Cross, and other non-state actors and the general public.”

Exams to proceed despite tragedy

Amid the crisis, the government assured the public that national examinations would proceed as scheduled. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed, “This tragedy has disrupted the ongoing exams. However, the government, through the Ministry of Education, has organised for the exams to continue uninterrupted.”

He added, “For the affected schools, the exams will be airlifted and for the one student whose left hand was injured, they will do the exam in the hospital.” With 21 people admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and recovery efforts ongoing, the government remains committed to supporting the affected communities, urging vigilance as heavy rains persist.