CHESONGOCH, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, October 21, 2026 — First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has handed over 53 houses to families affected by the devastating landslide that struck Chesongoch village in Elgeyo Marakwet County in October and November 2025, as recovery efforts shift towards rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening community resilience.
During the ceremony, the First Lady also presided over the groundbreaking of a community resource centre and an ICT centre to be established by the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO), initiatives aimed at supporting the community’s long-term recovery and development.
The houses were constructed through a collaborative effort involving the National Youth Service (NYS), the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government, professionals from the region, corporate partners and other well-wishers.
More than 39 people died, while dozens of others were injured when torrential rains triggered a devastating landslide and debris flow in Endo Ward and surrounding areas of the Kerio Valley on October 31 and November 1, 2025.
Reflecting on her return to the affected community, First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto said the handover marked an important milestone in restoring hope to families who had lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
“The last time I stood on this ground, it was wet with mud and with grief. Today I stand here again, and it is a joy to say that something new has been built where so much was lost,” she said.
She noted that the effects of disasters extend beyond the immediate loss of life and property, leaving survivors to navigate grief, uncertainty and the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
The First Lady said President William Ruto had continued to keep the people of Chesongoch in his thoughts and prayers following the tragedy and directed that assistance to affected families be expedited.
She said medical and funeral expenses were covered, families who lost loved ones received compensation, and injured survivors were supported. Counselling teams were also deployed to help families cope with the psychological effects of the disaster.
The construction of the 53 houses was coordinated through an initiative led by Elgeyo Marakwet professionals under the leadership of Dr Susan Koech, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, with a committee chaired by Albert Kochei working alongside the NYS.
The initiative mobilised more than KSh 60 million, with contributions from the National and County Governments, corporate partners and other well-wishers, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich.
“The 53 houses in Chesongoch and the two earlier handed over to victims in Kibendo area, Keiyo North Constituency, are a testament that when we come together, we shall overcome any adversity,” the First Lady said.
She also commended security agencies for improving stability in the Kerio Valley, recognising the efforts of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other security officers in restoring security in the area.
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto called on Kenyans to continue praying for the President as he serves the country and urged citizens to uphold peace and unity as the nation approaches the next election period.
Leaders attending the ceremony acknowledged the contributions of the National Government, the County Government, religious institutions and local communities in supporting survivors since the disaster occurred.
Governor Wisley Rotich said the First Lady had remained supportive of affected families throughout the recovery process. He also praised local leaders and community members for coming together to assist survivors and help rebuild the affected community.
Mr Murkomen said prayers and solidarity among Kenyans had helped sustain national unity despite political divisions. He highlighted ongoing government development projects in the county, particularly roads and markets, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the Kerio Valley.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei also commended the restoration of security and appealed to the First Lady, through JOYWO, to support affected families with fruit seedlings, particularly mangoes, to strengthen household livelihoods.
The handover marks a significant step in the recovery of families affected by the Chesongoch disaster, while the planned community resource and ICT centres are expected to contribute to longer-term social and economic development.
