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KeRRA issues travel advisory for motorists after deadly landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet

KeRRA issues travel advisory for motorists after deadly landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet
Landslide destruction in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Saturday, November 1, 2025. PHOTO/@scherargei

Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has issued a traffic alert for motorists in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to an ongoing landslide occasioned by heavy rainfall in the area.

In a statement dated Saturday, November 1, 2025, the body tasked with the rehabilitation of rural roads advised motorists to exercise caution, use alternative routes, and follow directions from traffic and emergency personnel.

The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) would like to issue an alert and advisory to all motorists using roads in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to a landslide rendering the area impassable,” part of its statement read.

Comply

“Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes in the meantime and comply with any directives from traffic officers and emergency personnel deployed on the roads to prevent further incidents.

KeRRA’s advisory comes just hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed 15 deaths and more than 30 people missing after a deadly landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The CS confirmed the tragedy while visiting the scene on Saturday, November 1, 2025, a day after Friday night’s heavy rainfall triggered mudslides.

Kipchumba Murkomen alights from a police helicopter in Chesongoch, Marakwet East, during a visit to condole with families affected by the deadly landslide and oversee ongoing rescue efforts. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X
Kipchumba Murkomen alights from a police helicopter in Chesongoch, Marakwet East, during a visit to condole with families affected by the deadly landslide and oversee ongoing rescue efforts. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X

He confirmed that the government had evacuated 25 survivors who sustained injuries and moved families living in risky areas to safer ground.

He visited the affected wards of Mbobut–Mborot, Endo, and Sambir, where search and rescue teams are working through thick mud and damaged terrain.

“Today we came here to respond to this disaster that has occurred in Marakwet East,” he said. “We have evacuated about 25 injured victims, but we still have more than 30 people missing. We can account for about 15 persons who have already died, and everything is being done to make sure that this situation is handled.”

Murkomen said a multi-agency team led by local security units was coordinating rescue and relief efforts. The team includes the military, police, National Government Administration Officers, the county government, the Kenya Red Cross, and other humanitarian partners. The CS added that chiefs are helping to evacuate residents from high-risk slopes.

Govt warns of worsening rains

The update came amid a warning from the Interior Ministry, which issued an alert warning Kenyans of worsening weather conditions and rising casualties linked to ongoing rains.

In a Saturday morning press release, the Interior Ministry said the October-November-December rains have intensified and may worsen in coming days.

The statement urged residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to heed evacuation advice.

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