Why govt is prioritizing psychosocial support for families affected by Elgeyo Marakwet landslide – Murkomen
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 2, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that the government is now prioritising psychosocial support for families who have lost their loved ones in the Kerio Valley landslide.
While addressing the media in Eldoret on Sunday, November 2, 2025, during the second day of the search for missing persons trapped in the landslide, he said the government will focus on providing more psychosocial support, including guidance and counseling for families and victims, noting that some families have lost more than five immediate relatives in the tragedy.
“So the missing persons who continue being psyched. It is very sad, by the way, that some families lost 5, 6, you know, immediate family members. So it’s not a very easy thing. I am sure that the team has also updated you that a priority now is social and psycho-social support, including constant services that are going to be dealt with,” Murkomen said.
Also watch: Govt responds to Marakwet landslide, assures support to affected families
Murkomen expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between the Red Cross, local communities, and other non-state actors in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
He also acknowledged the work being done by the Ministries of Interior, Defence, Public Works and the county governments, as well as the overwhelming support from well-wishers both locally and nationally.
He added that the county government is working on ways to better coordinate the channelling of support to the affected families.
Murkomen also praised the response efforts seen the previous day and expressed hope that the country would continue to strengthen its disaster response capabilities.
As of the latest update, 16 bodies had been recovered and moved to Eldoret, while two others were taken to Kapsowar.
One more body was found at the site, bringing the confirmed total to 21, pending further updates.
Heavy rainfall warning
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 the coming days.