Mass Burial Planned for 31 Landslide Victims in Elgeyo Marakwet
The decision for a central burial site comes as many homesteads were swept away and entire plots of land buried under mud and rocks, leaving families with no space for private burials
Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya The community of Chesongoch is preparing for a mass burial of 31 people who died in the devastating landslide on October 31
Families, many of whom lost both homes and land, have agreed to bury their loved ones in a single mausoleum near St. Benedict Christ the King Catholic Church in Kerio Valley sub-county
The decision for a central burial site comes as many homesteads were swept away and entire plots of land buried under mud and rocks, leaving families with no space for private burials
A requiem mass will be held on Thursday, followed by the burial service on Friday, November 21. A monument will also be erected at the site to serve as a permanent memorial
Only four victims will be buried on private land in Endo and Lower Sambirir, while the rest will be interred at the church after families agreed that a central location was the most practical option
County disaster management chief officer Lawrence Mutwol confirmed that the government would cover burial costs and that bodies recovered later would also be laid to rest at the mausoleum to maintain unity among the families
“We anticipate building a mausoleum or monument to indicate that this disaster was a result of climate change,” said Mutwol
A section has also been set aside for nine victims still missing, with symbolic crosses marking their place
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Meanwhile, support for displaced families continues at Chesongoch Primary School camp, now hosting over 850 people
Kenya Red Cross North Rift head Oscar Okumu raised concerns about malnutrition among children, expectant mothers, and the elderly, while religious organizations are offering counselling and support.
Governor Wisley Rotich noted that funds raised during a recent Nairobi fundraiser, along with government support, will help families rebuild, and a dedicated account has been opened to manage recovery contributions
The landslide affected Kasegei, Kwenoi, Kaptul, and Kipkirwon villages, killing over 39 people, injuring 32, leaving nine missing, and displacing more than 600 families. Eight victims have already been buried in nearby villages
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
[image courtesy of Tuko]
