Chesongoch Landslide: Families Join Search as 10 Remain Missing

Search and recovery efforts continue in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet, where 10 people are still missing following last week’s devastating landslide. Families have now joined the rescue operations, digging through soil that is quickly hardening into dry earth

One body was recovered on Monday, offering a glimmer of hope that more missing individuals will be found before the planned mass burial

Residents face the double tragedy of losing loved ones and livelihoods as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Jennifer Cherop, a local resident, said, “Sisi tunazunguka kutafuta watoto. Leo tumepata mtoto mmoja na iko nguvu kusema watapatikana wengine tena”

Another resident, Susan Kaino, shared her ongoing struggle: “Mtoto wangu Martin Chesach hajapatikana, alafu pia kuna mtoto mwingine wa jirani anaitwa Chebet pia hajapatikana. Lakini tuko na matumaini watapatikana alafu tutawazika wote”

Elgeyo Marakwet Disaster Manager Lawrence Mutwol noted the challenge ahead: “Tunaendelea kutafuta na tunaongea nao kwa sababu wamedhofika. Sasa hii tunapanga kuzika hao 29, lakini hao kumi nani atawazika ni changamoto kweli”

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Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku visited the area on Saturday, reiterating the government’s commitment to cover hospital bills, funeral expenses, and provide humanitarian support

However, residents remain in a difficult position. Philomena Chelimo said, “Mtupatie shamba tutoke hapa, tuende tuishe huko mahali pazuri… sasa hatuna pa kuenda, mawe imejaa shamba yote”

The Chesongoch landslide has so far claimed 38 lives, with ten still unaccounted for. A mass funeral is scheduled for November 21, after which the bodies will be released to families for burial

Writer : Mweru Mbugua