First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto on Saturday, November 8, 2025, visited the families affected by the devastating landslides that claimed tens of lives and left dozens displaced in Chesongoch and neighbouring villages in Elgeyo Marakwet County earlier in the month.

Rachel Ruto’s visit to the affected areas comes when the government has warned against continued heavy rainfall in most parts of the country, as the death toll from the deadly mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County has risen to 37, with 11 people still missing.

Rescue missions underway

In a statement released on Friday, November 7, 2025, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that multi-agency efforts are ongoing to support families affected by the disaster, with nine people who were injured remaining hospitalised.

“The government continues to coordinate the multi-agency rescue, recovery, humanitarian support and resettlement efforts in Elgeyo Marakwet County,” Mwaura said.

As rescue operations continue to save lives and recover the missing persons, Isaac Mwaura has also commended the role of local communities and partners in assisting the victims.

“Yesterday, under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, donations and food supplies generously mobilised by residents, community groups, and partners, including the Wareng Power House team, were dispatched to the affected families. The Government acknowledges and appreciates this strong display of national solidarity and shared compassion during this difficult time,” he added.

At the same time, authorities have warned that heavy rains are expected to continue over parts of Western Kenya, the Central Highlands, and the Rift Valley, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides in areas where the soil is already saturated.

Evacuation efforts

Speaking while leading the rescue mission on November 3, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged local authorities, led by chiefs and assistant chiefs in the region, to move residents to safer grounds in areas where earth movements are detected or have been experienced in the past. The CS also took the opportunity to console families that lost loved ones in the tragedy.

”I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to those who were injured. I commend our law enforcement officers, NGAOs, the County Government of Elgeyo-Marakwet and the Red Cross for their quick response and continued alertness to disaster incidents in the area.”

“We continue to call on residents in the region to be aware of their surroundings and to report any signs of earth movements to local authorities,” Murkomen said.