First Lady Rachel Ruto has hailed the swift and collective response by the Government and Kenyans from all walks of life in supporting victims of the devastating landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Speaking on Saturday at Chesongoch Grounds while condoling with affected families, Mrs. Ruto described the rapid mobilisation of rescue teams and humanitarian support as impressive and a reflection of national unity in times of crisis.
A total of 37 people have so far been confirmed dead, with search efforts ongoing for 11 more. The First Lady termed the tragedy heartbreaking, noting that one family lost up to nine members.
She assured families that the Government would continue supporting those affected and pledged to champion conservation efforts along the escarpments, which remain prone to landslides. Mrs. Ruto commended local residents for embracing tree planting in recent years, a significant improvement from the past when the area suffered from sparse vegetation.
The First Lady also observed that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the region would pave the way for accelerated development. The area was previously associated with banditry and cattle rustling incidents.
In solidarity with the victims, Mrs. Ruto donated assorted relief items to support affected families.
She was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration), Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service), and Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport). Also present were Governors Wisley Rotich, Stephen Sang, Senator William Kisang, and area leaders including Kangogo Bowen, Adams Kipsanai, and Caroline Ng’elechei.
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku said a presidential directive would guide the implementation of development programmes aimed at providing lasting solutions in landslide-prone areas. He added that resettlement efforts would focus on restoring the livelihoods of those affected.
Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir announced plans to redesign roads to align with climate realities and to expand security road networks across the country.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen assured residents that the Government was working on long-term solutions to landslide challenges and that victims would continue receiving support over the next two months.
“We appreciate the unity shown by our neighbouring counties in assisting the victims. We do not take it for granted,” said Murkomen.
He also encouraged residents to diversify their farming by embracing fruit and coffee cultivation in addition to maize farming, adding that the Government remains committed to ending banditry and advancing economic empowerment in the region.
Governor Wisley Rotich thanked President William Ruto and neighbouring county governments for their swift response, noting that both the county and national governments had agreed to develop sustainable, long-term interventions for affected communities.
Governor Stephen Sang said the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) had responded promptly and would continue standing with the affected families.
“We are one community. We should always stand with one another,” he said, urging farmers to adopt diversified farming practices to improve their livelihoods.
Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen cautioned against settlement in unsafe higher grounds and called for accelerated development initiatives along the Kerio Valley. Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai praised Kenyans for their unity and compassion in supporting landslide victims.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring both immediate relief and sustainable solutions to safeguard lives and livelihoods in landslide-prone areas.
