Lawyer and political commentator Willis Evans Otieno has taken a swipe at Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano after she mistakenly shared a photo from Peru while condoling victims of the Elgeyo Marakwet landslide that killed 21 people.

In a post on X posted on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Otieno questioned how a top government official could confuse an image from another continent with one from a Kenyan tragedy that has left the nation in mourning.

“A whole Cabinet Secretary for Tourism can’t tell the difference between Peru and Elgeyo Marakwet, even when the latter is literally in mourning after a landslide. How do you represent a country you can’t even recognise on the map?” he wrote.

The Tourism CS had earlier shared what she described as a picture of the Elgeyo Marakwet landslide on her official account, sending condolences to the affected families.

However, online users quickly pointed out that the image was from a past incident in Peru, sparking widespread criticism and ridicule across social media platforms.

Otieno, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, went further to ridicule the blunder, saying, “When Kenyans were counting bodies and comforting survivors, she was probably checking if Machu Picchu was in Keiyo South,” he stated.

Also watch: Govt responds to Marakwet landslide, assures support to affected families

He added humour to his post while expressing frustration over what he termed as carelessness among public officials.

“If tourism depended on her geography, we’d be marketing Kericho as the Bahamas,” he wrote.

Mudslide kills 21

The landslide, which occurred late Friday, October 31, 2025, swept through homes, farmland, and roads, leaving many residents displaced.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen assured the public that efforts are underway to restore damaged roads to facilitate movement and support relief operations.

He urged residents to remain patient and vigilant as recovery continues.

The CS had confirmed that 21 people were killed, while 30 more were still unaccounted for as of Saturday, November 1, 2025.

The Marakwet East area has historically been prone to landslides, with previous incidents highlighting the region’s vulnerability during heavy rains.

Last year, a landslide in Tuturung, Sambirir Ward, claimed two lives and left another injured, underscoring the persistent risks faced by communities in the area.

The mix-up comes at a time when the country is still reeling from the devastating Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide that has claimed several lives, displaced families, and left many still missing.

The government has since deployed rescue and recovery teams to the area.

The incident has also reignited discussions on the importance of due diligence in official communication, especially when dealing with issues touching on loss of life and national grief.