The government has pledged full support for families affected by the Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide, which has left at least 22 people dead and dozens missing after heavy rains triggered the disaster in Marakwet East.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, speaking during a joint briefing by a multi-agency team at the Eldoret Airstrip on Sunday, November 2, 2025, said the government is committed to helping survivors rebuild their lives and ensure emergency services reach all affected areas.

The briefing came after government officials visited victims admitted at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret on Saturday evening. Mwaura confirmed that rescue and recovery operations are ongoing and involve multiple national and county agencies.

“It is with a heavy heart that we address you today,” he said, noting that the mudslide struck in the early hours of Saturday, destroying homes and sweeping away families. “On behalf of the Government of Kenya, we express our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. The government shares in your grief.”

The spokesperson confirmed that 22 bodies have been retrieved and evacuated to Eldoret, with 29 people still missing. At least 21 survivors, including 14 adults and seven children, remain hospitalised at MTRH. Two additional patients were airlifted to Eldoret on Sunday as operations continued.

Mwaura noted that the government has deployed security teams, medical staff and humanitarian groups to support emergency efforts. State departments, county governments, the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross and other partners are collaborating at the search site.

Rescue and relief efforts continue

Authorities are continuing to search for missing people and provide support to displaced households. According to the update, teams are distributing food, medical supplies and non-food items to families affected by the landslide. Roads blocked by mud and debris are being cleared to improve access.

The military has deployed four helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft for rescue work, along with medical teams, stretchers and disaster-response specialists. Police and national government officers are coordinating community evacuations and tracing missing people.

The State Department for Special Programmes has distributed 600 bags of rice, 520 bags of beans, 1,000 blankets, 300 mattresses, 30 boxes of soap and 10 bales of sanitary towels to displaced families. He also encouraged Kenyans of goodwill to donate and support the ongoing relief efforts.

The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has provided medical staff, machines to open roads, food supplies and a disaster response team. The counties of Uasin Gishu and Nandi have supplied ambulances, machinery and relief support.

The Kenya Red Cross is using drones and mapping technology to assess damage and aid the search. The organisation has already distributed seven tonnes of food and non-food items and plans to support up to 500 households. It has also set up a tracing desk and is offering psychosocial support.