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Thirty-one victims of the devastating November 1–2 landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet were laid to rest on Friday in a solemn mass funeral officiated by Catholic Bishop Dominic Kimengich. The disaster claimed 41 lives, leaving the local community in deep mourning.
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The ceremony in Chesongoch drew bereaved families, community members, clergy, and senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Murkomen assured families that the government, under President William Ruto’s directive, would provide full support to the affected households.
“The grief felt in Chesongoch, Murkutwo, Embobut, Sambirir, and Kipkenda is immeasurable,” Murkomen said, noting that the government had already activated coordinated interventions to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Murkomen added that he conveyed condolences on behalf of the President and other national leaders. He emphasized that efforts to relocate residents from high-risk areas, provide psychosocial support, and resettle families on safer land were already underway.
He also directed the County Commissioner to ensure transparent management of government and donor aid, with verified beneficiary lists and zero tolerance for corruption.
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Earlier, on November 8, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku had reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support the families until they are fully restored. Accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Ruku visited affected communities and outlined the State Department for Special Programmes’ role in spearheading rebuilding efforts, including reconstructing homes, restoring livelihoods, and covering hospital and funeral costs.
“The people of Marakwet, and others affected by disasters across the country, must know that the Government of Kenya cares for them,” Ruku said.
He further highlighted that the President had instructed ministries and agencies to develop long-term programmes to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change and recurring disasters.
The First Lady also distributed emergency food and non-food items, earning praise for what Ruku described as “compassionate leadership at a time of national sorrow.”
Bishop Kimengich urged residents to support one another through the healing process, noting that the tragedy had left a deep emotional scar across the county.
