Heavy rains have triggered devastating mudslides, rockfalls, and extensive flooding across Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread disruption. Over the past three days, search and rescue efforts have recovered 30 bodies, with an additional 19 individuals still reported missing. Four fatalities were confirmed on Monday, increasing the death toll from 26 reported on Sunday, according to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.

A multi-agency team, including a military police unit, has been deployed to the affected areas to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations. While the number of missing persons has decreased, the humanitarian impact remains severe. Fifteen individuals who were rescued have since been discharged and are receiving post-recovery and psychosocial support at Iten County Referral Hospital and Tambach Sub-County Hospital. Meanwhile, 17 others are still recuperating at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for their injuries.

Among the tragic incidents, two victims, an elderly lady and her grandson, died on Sunday night in Keiyo North after rock debris struck their home during supper. The lady's husband and another grandchild miraculously survived the ordeal. Another devastating landslide incident, also claiming an elderly woman and her grandchild, occurred at Kibendo village on November 2, 2025.

The disaster has severely impacted infrastructure, causing interruptions to electric power supply and disrupting transport due to damaged roads and power lines. Educational activities have also been affected, with candidates in at least 28 senior and secondary schools facing challenges in their national assessments. However, the Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has reassured the public that measures are in place to ensure the integrity of the papers and that no candidate will be disadvantaged. Helicopters and all-terrain vehicles have been mobilized to address logistical challenges in remote areas.

In response to the ongoing situation, the emergency alert level for Elgeyo Marakwet has been downgraded from rescue to mitigation. Temporary shelters have been erected to house victims awaiting further aid, and locals are strongly urged to relocate to safer grounds as the October-November-December short rains continue to pound various parts of the country. Victims of the mudslides have expressed profound relief at having survived the harrowing events.