Govt to compensate Elgeyo Marakwet landslide victims within 1–2 months
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 8, 2025Elgeyo Marakwet County residents affected by last week’s devastating landslides have been assured full compensation and resettlement within one to two months.
Speaking on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is committed to helping victims swiftly.
“Kuliko kuwa na janga lolote kama hili. Cameras zikitoka zikienda sehemu nyingine, kwa sababu news is a short term issue, cameras zikimoviwa kuangalia sehemu zingine, wananchi kama hawa wanasahaulika,” Murkomen said.
“Lakini nataka tuwahakikishie ya kwamba kuhepo hapa na kwa sababu ya ile direction rais ametupatia, I want to assure watu wa Kerio Valley na watu wa Marakwet hawataachwa mpaka hii kazi iishe completely.”
“Pia, your excellency, kupitia ile directive rais ametupatia, hatutaki hii shughuli ichukue ati ni programme ati ya mwaka mmoja ama mwezi tatu. Tunataka tuakikishe ya kwamba hawa wameshughulikiwa one month, accounts zimefungwa, na kila mtu amerudi kwake hakuna hii shughuli ya kukaa tena kusema ooh tuko na IDPs, tuko na landsline victims.”
The government had earlier assured support to affected families.
He added that a verified list of victims will be prepared to ensure only genuine cases are supported.
“Sometimes you have a crisis like this, alafu unapata watu wameongeza majina ya mtu ata hakuishi hapa, anaongeza ya wapi na wapi. Tunataka a genuine list, imalizwe in a month or two, watu wasaidike wasonge mbele. Na hiyo ndio ifanyike vizuri programme kama hii lazima ikuwe na viongozi. Senator, Governor, MCAs na MP,” he said.
Recovery efforts continue
As of Friday, November 7, search teams had recovered 37 bodies, with several people still missing. Residents recount that the landslide struck at around 2:00 am, following heavy rainfall.
“Something roared like a plane. When we heard that, we woke each other up, saying, ‘Wake up, let’s run, because we don’t know where this plane is going to crash,’” said Vacity Jeptoo, a survivor.
Governor Wesley Rotich noted that most survivors are sheltering at Chesongoch Catholic Church and require urgent food, shelter, and psychosocial support.
“Some families are going through deep trauma. Alongside food and shelter, they need counselling and emotional care,” he said.
The government, through the President’s directive, has pledged to fast-track compensation, closure of accounts, and proper resettlement, ensuring victims are not left waiting indefinitely.