Death toll climbs to 26 in deadly Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide

Mudslides triggered by severe weather in Elgeyo Marakwet County have killed 26 people and displaced roughly 800 families across more than 10 villages, authorities said. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the rising death count after recovery teams retrieved four additional bodies, which were transported by air to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. The disaster struck early on Saturday morning, devastating communities in Embobut, Sambirir, Endo, and Ariti wards.

Hard-hit areas include Kamogo, Mkeno, Moror, Murkutwo, Chesongoch, Chechan, Kabetwo, Mogil, and Kepkener. More than 30 survivors remain hospitalized as Kenya Defence Forces helicopters continue evacuating injured residents. Local representative Paul Kipyatich described widespread devastation in his Embobut ward, while resident Janet Jebet said families lost everything and face a long recovery ahead.

Government officials toured affected zones and pledged continued rescue operations until all victims are accounted for. The National Youth Service plans to deploy over 500 personnel to assist with recovery work starting on Monday. Murkomen and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku promised sustained support for communities rebuilding after the catastrophic flooding.