Four killed, 23 missing after mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet-West Pokot border

Four people, among them a police officer, died following heavy rains that triggered a mudslide at Chesogon trading center on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties on Saturday.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya said at least 23 other people have also since been reported missing.

This comes after government spokesperson Col. Cyrus Oguna said three persons who sustained serious injuries in the incident have been rescued and are set to be airlifted to Eldoret for specialized treatment.

“A search and rescue operation is currently in progress and already three (3) persons who suffered serious injuries have been rescued and arrangements are being made to airlift them to Eldoret for specialized treatment.

“The Government has initiated a response and has dispatched a Multi agency team comprising officers from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, and the Ministry of Devolution & the ASALS to the area to gather information and advice on necessary interventions,” said Oguna in a statement.

The mudslide that swept through Chesegon left what used to be a busy shopping centre empty, now only characterised by debris and rocks.

Police officers are also said to be among the missing persons, with bullet vests being collected at the place where a police station is believed to have been.

The government has cautioned all the people residing in areas threatened by flooding and landslide to move to safer grounds until the situation normalizes.

On Wednesday, the Kenya Meteorological department issued a heavy rain advisory warning to several counties, among them West Pokot, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet. The intensity of the rains is forecast to reduce by Monday April 20.