Death toll rises to 30 in Elgeyo Marakwet mudslides after four more bodies retrieved

Authorities confirmed that the newly retrieved bodies, one male and three females, were found during the ongoing rescue mission at Chesongoch area, Marakwet East Constituency.

The tragedy, triggered by heavy rains on Friday, October 31, has left over 20 people still missing.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has urged residents in the Kerio Valley to heed early warnings and move to safer grounds as heavy rains persist.

The Ministry of Interior has said that 19 survivors have so far been rescued, while several others are receiving treatment at Chesongoch Mission Hospital.

Search and rescue operations continue amid impassable roads and blocked access routes, with the government deploying aerial support to assist with evacuation and medical aid.

Meanwhile, heavy rains and flooding continue to wreak havoc in other parts of the country, causing deaths and destruction of properties in parts of Kisumu West, Central, and East, Tana River County, including Dhuhush, Lebille, Bultobanta, and Bangale areas, Garissa County, as well as Laikipia and parts of Mombasa County, Mburukenge, and Kaa Chonjo.

The Ministry of Interior has cautioned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist across several regions, heightening the risk of floods and landslides, especially in hilly and riverine areas.

A multi-agency response team comprising the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, and other agencies is coordinating ongoing relief and evacuation efforts.