Elgeyo Marakwet landslide death toll rises to 35, 16 still missing
By Faith Lagat, November 6, 2025The death toll from the mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County has risen to 35, with 16 people still missing, according to the latest update from the government.
The disaster, triggered by heavy rains on November 1, 2025, has displaced hundreds of residents and caused major damage to infrastructure as response operations enter the fifth day.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed the ongoing multi-agency efforts in a press release issued on Wednesday on his official X account dated November 6, 2025.
“The government continues to coordinate the multi-agency search, rescue and recovery operations in Elgeyo Marakwet County, now on the 5th day since the devastating mudslide,” he said.
“As of today, a total of 35 bodies have been recovered, while 4 mudslide-affected persons have been discharged, and 9 others remain hospitalised and are receiving comprehensive medical and psychosocial support,” he added that 16 people remain missing.
Military and humanitarian support intensified
The government has reinforced personnel and equipment to speed up recovery efforts. Major General John Maina Nkoimo of Central Command (CENTCOM) visited the affected area to oversee operations and reassure families. According to Mwaura, the visit “underscores the seriousness with which the Government continues to approach the mission”, ensuring sustained mobilisation of specialised units and support teams.
Relief has also been scaled up, with food and non-food items delivered to affected households. Resettlement camps are being finalised and equipped with shelter, water, sanitation services, and medical support to ensure displaced families are accommodated in safe conditions.
Flooding extends impact to Trans Nzoia
In addition to Elgeyo Marakwet, flooding has affected parts of Trans Nzoia County, where 6,318 households have been impacted and 637 residents displaced. They are currently housed in eight active camps located in Kwanza, Endebes, and Saboti sub-counties. The government has distributed food and non-food items worth Ksh29 million, though gaps remain in water and sanitation services, psychosocial support, and recovery interventions.
A team led by Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga and Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa is coordinating ongoing operations, including restoring damaged water systems, drilling boreholes, constructing emergency pit latrines, and assessing long-term infrastructure repairs.
Monitoring and preparedness
The Ministry of Environment and the Kenya Meteorological Department are monitoring weather patterns amid warnings of potential cyclone-related rainfall in the western Indian Ocean region. Environmental agencies are also addressing encroachment on wetlands and high-risk zones to mitigate landslide and flooding risks.
Mwaura reaffirmed government support to affected families and response teams, noting that relief and recovery measures will continue as search and rescue operations remain underway.