Tears and sorrow as 31 victims of Chesongoch mudslide laid to rest

A sombre mood on Friday engulfed Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County as 31 victims of the devastating mudslide that struck the area on October 31, 2025, were laid to rest in a mass funeral ceremony.

It was one of the largest single burial services in recent years, drawing thousands of mourners and top government officials led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

The day began early, with families, relatives and villagers slowly streaming into the burial site; some carrying framed photos of the deceased, others holding onto each other for strength.

Emotional hymns filled the air as 31 identical coffins, arranged side by side, stood draped with flowers, each representing a life abruptly cut short.

Tears flowed freely as survivors relived the tragic night when fast-moving mud and boulders roared down the hills, sweeping away homes and families in Kerio Valley sub-county.

CS Murkomen praised the resilience of the affected families and assured them that the government will not abandon them in their hour of need.

Family representatives, Francis Cheptile and Regina, described the loss as unbearable and heavier than any family could carry alone.

“We have lost our children, parents, brothers and sisters. The pain is too big for us. We ask the government to consider our families in employment so we can rebuild our lives,” they pleaded.

Another mourner, Bargetuny, whose relatives were among the victims, urged the government to take bolder decisions, including evacuating families from high-risk slopes and acquiring vulnerable valley lands for long-term conservation.

In his address, Murkomen expressed condolences to the bereaved and acknowledged the scale of the tragedy. He said the government was assessing long-term solutions, further assuring the families that support would continue beyond the funeral.

“For every family who lost their loved ones watapata Ksh.200,000 na tutahakikisha tunapea real representative wa familia na wale wako hospitali kila family itapata Ksh.150,000,” he said.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations were temporarily halted to allow families to prepare and conduct dignified burials. Officials confirmed that 39 people have been confirmed dead 9 are still missing while 3 remain hospitalized

Rescue efforts are expected to resume immediately after the burials as teams continue combing through mud and debris for any remaining victims.