Rachel Ruto laud Chesongoch landslides rescue efforts

First lady Rachel Ruto has hailed the quick and collective response in helping the Elgeyo Marakwet landslide victims.

The First lady said the swift response from government and Kenyans of different walks was impressive.

While condoling the affected families at Chesongoch Grounds yesterday, November 8, 2025, Rachel Ruto said the government will continue to support the affected families.

A total of 37 deaths have been recorded while a search for 11 more is still ongoing, saying it was sad that a family lost up to 9 members.

She promised to support conservation efforts along the escarpments, which are prone to landslides.

Rachel commended the locals for planting many trees unlike in the past when the area faced scarce vegetations.

She said the relative peace being enjoyed will ensure more development in the area, which was otherwise known for banditry and cattle rustling incidents.

The First Lady also donated assorted goods in support of affected families.

She was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration), Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service) and Davis Chirchir (Road and Transport).

Others were Governors Wisley Rotich (ElgeyoMarakwet), Stephen Sang (Nandi), Senator William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet), Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North) and Caroline Ng’elechei (Women Rep, Elgeyo Marakwet)

Ruku said a presidential directive will ensure development programs that will offer a lasting solution to the landslide’s prone areas.

“The resettlement will be done to restore the livelihood of those affected,” he said.

Chirchir said the government will redesign the roads to fit to the climate changes besides opening up security roads across the country.

Murkomen assured that the government was looking for a long-term solution to the landslide problems, adding that the victims will be supported in next two months.

“We appreciate the unity shown by our neighbouring counties in assisting the victims of the landslides. We don’t take it for granted, ” said Murkomen.

He also urged locals to embrace fruit and coffee farming instead of relying on maize alone.

“We are committed to ending banditry in this area. We will now embark on economic empowerment,” said Murkomen.

Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisley Rotich thanked President Ruto and governors from the neighbouring counties for responding swiftly to help the victims of the landslides.

“The county and the national government have agreed to come up with a long term solution for those affected,” he said.

Nandi county governor Stephen Sang said  the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) responded quickly and will continue offering support to the affected families.

“We are one community. We should always be there for each others,”said Governor Sang.

He urged farmers to diversify their farming methods to uplift their lives.

Bowen said many people relocated to unsafe higher grounds, saying more development  initiatives should be embraced along the Kerio Valley.

Kipsanai said it is impressive that Kenyans are united in supporting the landslide  victims