The death toll in the devastating mudslide that hit Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet, on Saturday has hit 36.
In an update issued on Thursday, the Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, relayed that the concerted efforts of the multi-agency rescue team had led to the discovery of more missing persons.
However, 16 more mudslide-affected persons remain missing despite these efforts. Four who had been hospitalised have been discharged, and nine more remain at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
“As of today, a total of 35 bodies have been recovered, while 4 Mudslide Affected Persons (MAPs) have been discharged and 9 others remain hospitalised and are receiving comprehensive medical and psychosocial support,” the statement read.
“It is with deep sadness that we report 16 persons remain missing. The Government and the entire multi-agency team remain committed to doing everything possible to locate them and bring closure to affected families.”
Since the first mudslide hit on October 31, the area has suffered devastating loss as heavy rains continue to pound the Rift Valley region.
After the first mudslide on Saturday, another one hit in the wee hours of Monday morning, leading to the deaths of a woman and her grandson. Three more were injured in the ordeal.
Speaking at Citizen TV on Thursday morning, the County Governor, Wisely Rotich, revealed that the residents were still in shock from the disaster, as some were losing up to seven to eight family members per family.
In addition to the mudslides, the latest update indicated that flooding has also affected the neighbouring Trans Nzoia County.
So far, 6,318 households have been impacted, leaving 637 people displaced. They are currently being hosted in 8 active camps across Kwanza, Endebes and Saboti Sub-Counties.
The government has already pumped Ksh29 million into food and non-food relief to the affected persons, although it is still seeking support from various stakeholders to help in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) services, shelter, psychosocial support, recovery efforts, and long-term resilience measures.
"This response requires collaboration across national and county governments, development partners, and other stakeholders, and we call for continued support towards a whole-of-society approach to restoring dignity and stability to affected families," Mwaura stated.
"The government remains deeply empathetic to the pain experienced by all affected families and extends continued support, prayer and solidarity during this period of grief and recovery."
