Marakwet East landslide: Death toll rises to 26 as 4 more bodies are recovered
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 2, 2025The death toll from the Marakwet East landslide has risen to 26 after four more bodies were recovered on Sunday, November 2, 2025, government officials have confirmed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who spoke at the scene on Sunday, November 2, 2025, said the recovery teams had retrieved more bodies as search efforts continued across affected villages. He noted that dozens of residents are still missing.
“Hadi sasa tumeambiwa ya kwamba wale ambao mili yao imepatikana baada ya hii search yote ni watu 26. Pia tumeambiwa ya kwamba watu 25 bado wamepotea. Na watu 26 ni watu ambao walipelekwa kutibiwa hospitali. Kuna wengine walitibiwa hapa nyumbani na wakaachiliwa,” Murkomen said.
Also watch: Government assures support to affected families.
He explained that most of the victims came from the same extended family and one village, making the loss especially painful for the community.
“Kati ya hawa watu 26 tumepoteza, uchungu mkubwa sana ni kwamba ni familia moja. Ni watu wa village moja. Hapa sehemu hii, hapa chini, hapa Endo ward, tumepoteza watu ambao ni kumi …I think ni kumi na tisa. Embobut ward tumepoteza watu tano. Na Sambirir ward ya juu mtu mmoja, na ya chini mtu mmoja. Kwa wale ambao bado hawajapatikana 25, tuko na wasiwasi sana kwamba wanaeza kuwa wako kwa njia ya hatari. Kuna familia karibu wamepoteza watu saba,” he added.
Aid and search continue
Heavy rains triggered the mudslide in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025, destroying homes and sweeping away families in several villages. Rescue teams have since been working in difficult conditions to find survivors and recover bodies.
Government agencies, the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross and local authorities are involved in the joint operation. Helicopters, ambulances and medical staff have been deployed to evacuate the injured and deliver aid.
The government has already delivered food and non-food relief supplies to displaced families, including blankets, rice, beans, mattresses, and sanitary items. Roads blocked by mud and debris are being cleared to allow access to remote villages.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the state will continue supporting affected households and asked Kenyans to stand with the victims.
He noted that the government will also work with humanitarian partners to trace missing persons and provide psychosocial support to grieving families.
Mwaura also encouraged Kenyans of goodwill to donate and assist those who lost homes and relatives in the disaster.
Authorities have urged residents living near rivers and steep slopes to move to safer areas as heavy rains continue across the region.