Dozens of locals from several villages within Kerio Valley who were injured following a deadly early Saturday morning landslide have been airlifted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret for treatment.
The government mobilised police and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) choppers to the area after all roads were cut off due to the heavy downpours.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was among top government officials who are on the ground to monitor ongoing efforts to airlift all those injured.
“We have arrived in Chesongoch, Marakwet East, to condole with the families who lost loved ones in last night’s deadly landslide that hit the area,” Murkomen said.
“We are assessing the humanitarian situation and joining hands in coordinating the ongoing search and rescue efforts and repair of access roads to the area,” he added.
This is even as search efforts for locals who might still be trapped inside the mud continues.
Photos shared by CS Murkomen indicate that children were among those rescued and taken to MTRH.
Which Kerio Valley areas were hit by landslides
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead following the landslide in several areas including Endo, Sambirir and Embobut wards.
The landslides were as a result of heavy rains the area have been receiving.
As late as Saturday midmorning, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said some parts were still reporting landslides.
He asked locals living in low areas to be extra cautious and look out for the children.
“Landslides, mud slides and rock falls still continuing Embobut, Sambirir and Endo so we urge all people to be cautious and vigilant. All parents and adults to watch over all children,” the governor said.
