Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen has paid tribute to a couple that lost seven children in the tragic landslides experienced in West Pokot County.
Speaking during a public forum in the region, Murkomen, in the video which surfaced on Monday, November 25, disclosed that he was gutted by the deaths.
The lawmaker further stated that it was painful for any couple to lose seven children in one go, but landslides were a natural occurrence and no one was to blame.
"I really feel your pain. I feel sad especially learning that one family lost seven children in the tragedy.
"It's so sad I can't even talk about it. I can't think about it. Losing seven children is just unimaginable. Sometimes you come to a place like this and lose words to say. You are in our prayers," stated Murkomen.
During the speech, the lawmaker urged the residents to move from the area to safer regions, at least until the heavy rains, subsides.
"The government has vowed to support the families that lost loved ones and society in general. I only have one favour to ask, let us be willing to leave these mountains.
"I know some of you do not have other parcels of land but let us all agree that we can leave the high grounds for low grounds. I am requesting you for as long as this rain is going on, let's leave the places for the time being," he continued.
Murkomen also relayed condolences from President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta sends his condolences and says that he is monitoring the situation closely until a solution is realized. DP William Ruto also sends his condolences," he mentioned.
On Friday, November 22, Kaapel Yaranyang’ left his home in Muino Village of Tapach Ward, Pokot South Constituency for a church service and a few minutes before midnight, he asked his seven children to return home, not knowing that was the last time he would see them alive.
Later that night, he received news that rain was causing havoc and upon returning to their village, he found his home submerged.
His children were aged between four and 13 years.
