Imagine entire villages swept away in an instant, families torn apart, and over 20 people still missing. This is the devastating reality in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kenya, where mudslides have ravaged the Kerio Valley, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak. But here's where it gets even more heartbreaking: as rescue workers and residents scramble to find survivors or recover bodies, the scale of the tragedy becomes painfully clear.
As of Thursday, the search continued for those still unaccounted for, with Kenya Red Cross Society teams, led by North Rift regional manager Oscar Okumu, working tirelessly to reunite families separated by the disaster.
“We’ve established camps to provide ongoing support to affected families, including essential humanitarian aid,” Okumu explained. However, he emphasized that this is where the real challenge begins: more aid is desperately needed, particularly food, non-food items, and construction materials to help displaced families rebuild their lives. This raises a critical question: Are we doing enough to prepare for and respond to such disasters, especially in vulnerable hillside communities?
Meanwhile, county leaders and a multi-sectoral team have begun the somber task of planning the burial of 34 confirmed victims. Their bodies are being preserved at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where over 20 survivors are also receiving medical care. The government has sensitively left the decision of when and where to bury loved ones to the affected families, many of whom have lost their homes in the mudslides.
In a heartening display of solidarity, Governors in the North Rift region, particularly Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, have ramped up efforts to mobilize aid. Governor Bii spearheaded a major humanitarian appeal, bringing together faith-based, corporate, and civic groups to support the devastated families. Donations poured in from organizations like the Hindu Council of Kenya (Eldoret Chapter), the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), the Lions Club of Eldoret, and Wareng Powerhouse, including essential foodstuffs and supplies.
During the handover at the county headquarters and later at the Eldoret Airstrip, Governor Bii praised the outpouring of support as a testament to the region’s compassion and unity. “This is the true spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines us as the City of Champions,” he remarked. He assured that counties were working collaboratively to ensure timely support for affected families, with machinery already on the ground to clear roads and restore access, and medical teams providing critical care.
Representatives from donor organizations echoed this sentiment. Ngirish Khetia of the Hindu Council of Kenya reaffirmed their commitment to standing with the community during this crisis. Aj Shah of the Lions Club expressed deep solidarity, stating, “We share in the grief of the resilient people of Elgeyo Marakwet. This is a time for us all to unite and support those in distress.” Dan Melly of Wareng Powerhouse pledged continued partnership, promising additional food supplies for affected families.
Governor Bii commended the overwhelming goodwill from the community, highlighting the compassion, partnership, and resilience that define Uasin Gishu county. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to coordinating relief efforts and working with humanitarian partners to ensure both immediate assistance and long-term recovery support for affected families.
And this is the part most people miss: the crisis in Elgeyo Marakwet is not just a local tragedy—it’s a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of hillside communities to increasingly erratic weather patterns. The urgent need for food, shelter, and resettlement assistance underscores significant gaps in disaster preparedness and local response capacity. The Kenya Red Cross Society and county authorities face the dual challenge of providing immediate relief while planning for long-term recovery and resettlement.
Without sustained support and coordinated intervention, the affected families risk prolonged suffering even as rescue efforts transition into recovery and rebuilding phases. This raises a thought-provoking question for all of us: How can we better prepare and support vulnerable communities to withstand and recover from such devastating disasters? Let’s continue this conversation in the comments—what do you think needs to be done to prevent such tragedies in the future?
