NAIROBI, Kenya – November 3, 2025 – The death toll from the devastating landslide that swept through Kenya’s Rift Valley has tragically climbed to 26, with rescue efforts temporarily suspended due to a new flash flood. At least 25 people remain unaccounted for following the disaster, which occurred early Saturday morning in the Chesongoch area of Elgeyo-Marakwet County following torrential rainfall.
The initial rescue operations, led by police and military units, were hampered late Sunday when flash floods from a nearby hill forced teams to abandon the search site. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the updated casualty figures and the suspension of the search, stating that military aircraft had been deployed to intensify the mission and help access areas that were completely cut off after roads were washed away.
Widespread Devastation and Regional Crisis
The extreme weather event has caused catastrophic destruction, destroying over 1,000 homes and displacing thousands. Minister Murkomen noted the profound impact on families, some of whom have lost “five to six immediate family members.” The government has pledged to cover the medical expenses for over 30 injured individuals, provide supplies to cut-off schools, and arrange resettlement for those whose homes were destroyed.
The Regional Manager for the Kenya Red Cross confirmed the area remains highly susceptible to further slides, urging community members to move to safer grounds.
Climate Change Exacerbates Regional Floods
This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of extreme weather hitting East Africa, which scientists increasingly link to climate change. Heavy rains continue to lash Kenya, causing widespread flooding in several counties.
The crisis is regional: neighbouring Uganda has also suffered deadly mudslides in the past week, with reports confirming at least nine fatalities, including six members of a single family, in the Sebei sub-region following heavy downpours. These concurrent disasters underscore the critical need for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness across the region.
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