At least 21 dead, dozens missing after landslide hits Kenya’s Rift Valley

At least 21 people have been killed and more than 30 are missing after a landslide struck Kenya’s Elgeyo Marakwet East region in the Rift Valley following days of heavy rain, authorities said.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said late Saturday that 25 people with serious injuries had been airlifted to the town of Eldoret for specialised medical care, while others with minor wounds were treated locally.

“We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” Murkomen said. “The search and rescue mission resumes tomorrow with a team from the military and the police joining other organisations and the local community in the effort.”

Elgeyo Marakwet East lies about 320 kilometres northwest of the capital Nairobi. Authorities said relief operations were underway, with helicopters from the military and police delivering food and non-food supplies to the affected areas.

“I urge people living near seasonal rivers and areas that experienced landslides to move to safer grounds,” Murkomen added.

Officials have warned residents in high-risk zones to heed evacuation alerts as rescue efforts continue. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has triggered floods and landslides in several parts of Kenya, displacing hundreds and damaging critical infrastructure.

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