Survivors tell scary ordeal of Elgeyo Marakwet landslide that killed 30

The victims have narrated the ordeal of a scary landslide that has so far claimed 30 lives, as the search continues for 19 missing persons.

Margaret Kiptoo, who was with his disabled son when the incident occurred, was at pains to narrate the difficulties they faced after the night landslide. Her son is among the 19 persons yet to be found. 

"I heard some sounds and walked outside to check. I knew it was water flowing down the river. I went back to sleep. Then rocks fell on me, and I could not see my child," Margaret recalls. 

"Shortly, my mouth was filled with mud and water." 

Gabriel Yego, a 89-year-old man, says the tragedy found them unaware, as many were in a deep sleep, saying such a landslide has not been experienced before.

"It was the first time I had seen such a thing. The water was a lot; it swept many people," said Yego. 

Other survivors recall running on the rock-filled terrain, trying to beat the speed of the water. 

Leaders led by Uasin Gishu county MP Gladys Boss and former MPs Jackson Kiptanui and Linah Kilimo called for long-term solutions to the problem.

Search and rescue operations continue in Chesongoch amid impassable roads and blocked access routes, with the government deploying aerial support to assist with evacuation and medical aid.

The Ministry of Interior has cautioned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist across several regions, heightening the risk of floods and landslides, especially in hilly and riverine areas.

A multi-agency response team comprising the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, and other agencies is coordinating ongoing relief and evacuation efforts.