President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, on Sunday, April 19, came together to spearhead efforts to rescue civilians and police officers buried alive following a massive landslide that happened on April 18, in Chesogon, West Pokot County.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, revealed that he held a conference call with DP Ruto, adding that president Uhuru also called in and confirmed that the entire government machinery had been geared towards the rescue efforts.
"Last night we had a conference call between the Deputy President and leaders of Marakwet and Pokot [counties] over the landslide issue. This morning the president has confirmed to us concerted government efforts to resolve the issue. We are headed to the ground to give our support. We shall overcome," he tweeted.
He went on to reveal that the president was personally overseeing the rescue efforts of the countless local residents who were buried under the landslide that swept through everything along its path, including a police camp.
"I have talked with President Kenyatta who has organised for the evacuation of all the survivors of E.Marakwet and W.Pokot county landslide.
"He is also personally monitoring search and rescue efforts. Help is on the way. We are working with the government to ensure the people are assisted," he revealed.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello, had on Saturday, April 18, announced that efforts to contact officers from Chesogon Police Station and the area chief were unsuccessful.
Kenya Meteorological Department had on April 14, 2020, warned of heavy rainfall to be experienced across several parts of the country with a number of counties expected to experience flooding.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Police Commander John Mwinzi, confirmed that several areas had been cut off, including the Chesogon Shopping Centre.
"We have received reports the area has been hit by landslides and floods. Reports are that so many people have been affected. We have a challenge of accessing the area because all bridges have been swept away," he stated.
On his part, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo maintained that accessibility to the affected shopping centre was impossible, going on to urge the national government to step in.
"The area is inaccessible by road as the construction of Marich and Chepera bridges, which were swept away last year, are yet to be completed," he explained.
The tragic disaster has prompted the mobilisation of rescue efforts by the president and his deputy, who immediately deployed personnel to the area.
"The government has mobilised adequate resources to respond to the unfortunate incident in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties following landslides in the region.
"A disaster response team has been dispatched and is working with the local leadership in the search and rescue efforts. We will continue monitoring and offering assistance to the affected as we strive to contain the situation," DP Ruto confirmed.
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