Murkomen warns against misusing donations for Chesongoch landslide victims
By Joel Masibo, November 21, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kichumba Murkomen has directed local authorities in the Chesongoch area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, to ensure that victims of the recent landslides get the urgent assistance from the government and other well-wishers transparently.
Murkomen directed the County Commissioner to ensure that no donation is misused.
Speaking on Friday, November 21, 2025, while joining the bereaved families, friends, leaders and affected communities in laying to rest 31 victims from Chesongoch and Murkutwo, part of the 41 lives lost, the Interior CS also promised that plans are underway to relocate the survivors to safer grounds.
”I have directed the County Commissioner to ensure that all the assistance from the Government and well-wishers is used prudently and beneficiaries verified by administrators and security teams, with zero tolerance for corruption,” Murkomen said.
Chesongoch’s pain and agony
The pain and heartbreak gripping communities in Elgeyo Marakwet County remain overwhelming as residents continue to come to terms with the deadly landslides and mudslides that struck on November 1 and 2, 2025. The disaster, which swept through Chesongoch, Murkutwo, Embobut, Sambirir, Kipkenda, and other parts of the county, claimed lives and destroyed properties.
Murkomen, who hails from the area, conveyed condolences from President William Ruto and other national leaders, assuring families that the government will fully support them during this painful period.
“The pain felt in Chesongoch, Murkutwo, Embobut, Sambirir, Kipkenda and across our nation is immeasurable. The President has directed us to expedite all the necessary support due to the affected families, and we will implement this to the letter,” Murkomen said.
Government’s action plan
According to the CS, the state is intensifying efforts to prevent further tragedy by relocating families living in high-risk zones to safer grounds. He added that psychosocial support will be prioritised to help survivors cope with trauma, while long-term plans are underway to resettle affected households on geologically stable land.
Beyond immediate support, Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing security and improving infrastructure in Elgeyo Marakwet, an area often challenged by banditry and economic marginalisation. He pointed to intelligence-led operations, better security roads, local markets, and empowerment of community livelihoods as key components of long-term resilience.
”In the long term, we remain committed to sustaining security gains in the region through intelligence-led operations, improved security roads and markets, and empowering local economic activities,” he added.
As the region continues to grapple with loss, Murkomen called on the nation to pray for the bereaved and support them in rebuilding their lives.