Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed 15 deaths and more than 30 people missing after a deadly landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The disaster struck on Friday night following heavy rainfall that triggered mudslides across hilly villages in the region.

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Speaking at the scene on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Murkomen said the government 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 is 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.

“We have proper coordination on the ground led by the deputy county commissioner and various agencies,” he said. “We will establish a proper mechanism for continued search and already we have a desk for families to report missing persons.”

Govt warns of worsening rains

The update comes hours after the Interior Ministry 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.

Elsewhere, a 15-year-old boy drowned in River Obonyo in Kisumu West after being swept away by rising water. In Tana River County, floods submerged 67 households and killed livestock, including 170 sheep and goats and one camel.

Garissa County reported the loss of about 300 goats in Shimbirey Location. Flooding also hit parts of Kisumu Central and East, affecting hundreds of families, while Laikipia saw 89 households displaced as dams overflowed. In Mombasa, informal settlements in Mburukenge and Kaa Chonjo flooded due to poor drainage.

The Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall, especially in highland regions and areas along rivers.