President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the 29 Kenyans who lost their lives in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot due to the mudslides.

Speaking on Saturday April 25 from State House, Nairobi, the President said that his administration continues to make every effort to support the affected families and communities across the country.

“I mourn the 29 Kenyans we have lost in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot. My Administration continues to make every effort to support affected families and communities across the country,” President Kenyatta said.

The head of state further urged those living in dangerous areas such as escarpments to relocate to safer areas.

His statement comes a day after Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen accused the government of neglecting the victims.

Murkomen through his twiiter handle on Friday said that 23 bodies were still missing in Marakwet landslide tragedy, forcing locals to launch search for their loved ones on their own.

Murkomen accused Rift Valley regional commissioner George Natembeya of moving to the scene, taking pictures and leaving without doing anything.

“23 bodies are still missing in Marakwet landslide tragedy. These people are searching for their loved ones. RC Natembeya and the Military went their took pictures and left. meanwhile thousands of them are without shelter.What the hell is going on in this country?” Murkomen posted.

Hundreds of the survivors have sought refuge in churches and schools while others are being accommodated by their relatives.

At Kipchumwa location where the landslide started, more than 300 residents are huddled at AIC Wewo Church with no food and sanitation facilities. 

The government has sent some help but much of it is being directed to Chesegon and Sambalat areas, which were hard hit by the mudslides. Seventeen other people are still missing.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya said the government was doing its best to provide food to the displaced and asked those still living on the escarpment to relocate before another disaster strikes.

He said a command centre had been set up at Sambalat Primary School and Cheptulel Secondary School in the respective counties to coordinate recovery efforts and relief missions.

West Pokot was one of the areas badly affected by heavy rains in November and December last year when more than 40 people died after massive landslides. 

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Makueni County Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior has schooled Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i on rescue missions following the West Pokot landslide tragedy.

Matiang’i on Monday failed to land in West Pokot due to what he claimed to be inclement weather.

The Interior CS alongside Devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai were compelled to land at Eldoret International Airport while on their way to the affected areas..

However, Kenyans were bitter at Matiang’i for failing to land with a military chopper after Deputy President Dr William Ruto managed to land hours later using a private chopper.

Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior on Tuesday morning while replying to Dr Matiangi’s tweet asked him to watch the videos of the Brazil dam rescue mission early this year.

The senator says choppers were flying near touch down to rescue peole stuck in the mud sludge.

He further notes that the government of Brazil used all means possible to attend to its citizens, urging Kenyan government to learn to be sensitive.

“Please watch the videos of the Brazil dam rescue mission early this year .Choppers were flying near touch down to rescue peole stuck in the mud sludge. The government of Brazil used all means possible to attend to its citizens. GOK must learn to be sensitive ,” he posted.

Areas of Pokot South were over the weekend hit by mudslides which has cost 52 lives leaving several others injured.

Those injured are currently undergoing treatment at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.

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Death toll from the landslide witnessed over the weekend in West Pokot has hit 42.

West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo confirmed that the death toll rose after six other bodies were recovered from the mudslides.

Search and rescue operations are still continuing but have been hampered by thick fog and harsh weather conditions being witnessed in the region.

The danger of more mudslides still hangs over the residents and the roads have been rendered impassable by raging flood waters.

Several families have already fled their homes and pitched camp in nearby schools on higher grounds as they brace the cold waiting for food aid.

The post West Pokot Landslide Tragedy Death Toll Hits 42 appeared first on Daily Trends.

Deputy President Dr William Samoei Ruto has send his message of condolences to the families of the victims of the West Pokot landslide.

Ruto in his message prayed for the victims, asking God to give them peace and comfort.

He went ahead to urge those in vulnerable areas to be on alert during this period of the short rains .

“Sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the West Pokot landslide. May God give you peace and comfort, and may our prayers ease the pain of this great loss. We urge those in vulnerable areas to be on alert during this period of the short rains,” he tweeted.

The DP’s message comes as death toll in the Pokot South landslide rises to 24 after more bodies are recovered.

Meanwhile, rescue operation has been hampered by heavy rainfall.

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