Move people from landslide prone areas in Elgeyo Marakwet

Section of the buildings that were swept away at Chesongoch area by a landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County last week on November 03, 2025. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Whoever said troubles come in doubles might have had the Kerio Valley in mind. While banditry and cattle rustling incidents in the Kerio Valley have abated, Elgeyo-Marakwet County has suffered another calamity; massive landslides.

Until eight months ago when the government subdued perpetrators and sponsors of banditry and cattle rustling, Marakwet had known no peace. Today, the region is in mourning following fatal landslides, aggravated by human activities such as deforestation, cultivation and construction along the escarpment. This time, Chesongoch witnessed more severe landslides than before. More than 30 lives were lost and 25 people are still missing.