The National Assembly has mourned the deaths of at least 35 people and the disappearance of 16 others following a devastating landslide that struck several parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County on the morning of November 1, 2025.

Hon. Caroline Ng’elechei (Elgeyo Marakwet County, Independent) read a statement on Thursday, November 6^th 2025 describing the tragedy as “unimaginable, devastating, and desperate,” saying the landslides had swept through Embobut, Embalot, Endo, Sambirir in Marakwet East Constituency, and Emsoo Ward in Keiyo North Constituency.

“Entire villages have been submerged or swept away by torrents of mud and debris, leaving behind scenes that are heartbreaking,” said Hon. Ng’elechei.
“Thirty-five lives have been lost, more than sixteen people remain missing, and hundreds of families have been displaced.”

The lawmaker recounted how the tragedy destroyed infrastructure, schools, and farmlands, noting that 15 schools were either destroyed or converted into shelters, disrupting national examinations. She further linked the disaster to the area’s history of tragedy, recalling the 2001 Murkutwa massacre and the recent killing of three peace ambassadors earlier this year.

“For many residents, settling along the escarpment was not a matter of choice but survival,” Hon. Ng’elechei said. “They fled bandit attacks in the lowlands seeking safety, never imagining nature itself could one day turn against them.”

The Woman Representative urged both the national and county governments to enhance early warning systems, strengthen environmental conservation, and relocate families living in high-risk zones.

“We must strengthen disaster preparedness and restore livelihoods. The people of Elgeyo Marakwet are not alone, we will rebuild together,” she affirmed.

In support, Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben) urged the Government to resettle affected families and convert the lands into protected forest areas. “This tragedy will never go away unless families are moved to safer ground,” said Hon. Bartoo. “The Government should compensate victims, rebuild destroyed schools, and support students undertaking exams.”

Hon. Adams Korir (Keiyo North) disclosed that he had also lost two constituents — a mother and her grandchild — to the landslide, calling for a national strategy to prevent recurrent disasters. “Elgeyo Marakwet has suffered insecurity and now natural calamity. It’s time the Government found a long-term solution to protect Kenyans living in flood-prone areas,” he said.

Hon. Patrick Makau (Mavoko) linked the tragedy to the growing impact of climate change, urging county governments to set aside emergency budgets to mitigate disasters. “Climate change is real. Governors must prepare for emergencies — build gabions, establish preventive structures, and allocate funds for disaster response. Mourning alone is not enough,” he cautioned.

He welcomed Hon. Ng’elechei’s initiative to coordinate contributions from Members in support of the victims, after the Speaker authorized her to open a check-off system for voluntary donations.

On his part, Hon. David Pkosing (Pokot South) called for the establishment of meteorological stations and lightning arresters in highland constituencies, saying the government’s quick response this time should be followed by sustained prevention efforts. “We have two problems in the highlands — landslides and lightning — which claim lives every year. The Meteorological Department should build stations to monitor and issue early warnings,” said Hon. Pkosing.

Hon. Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South) described the tragedy as part of a recurring pattern, noting that similar disasters had occurred in 2007, 2012, 2019, and 2020. “We lose lives every few years in the same places. It’s time the Government relocates affected families and gives the escarpment land to the Kenya Forest Service for conservation,” said Hon. Kimaiyo. “We must balance conservation with human safety.”

Hon. Dick Oyugi (Luanda) added that the recurrence of such tragedies called for policy intervention, saying, “We cannot do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. It’s time we acted decisively to relocate residents and build resilience.”

Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula praised MPs for their show of solidarity, urging Members to support relief efforts for the affected families.