At least 21 people have died and more than 30 remain missing following a devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in western Kenya, the country’s Interior Minister confirmed on Saturday.
The disaster struck overnight in Marakwet East, a hilly region in the west of Kenya currently experiencing its rainy season. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “we have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families.”
Search and rescue operations were temporarily suspended overnight due to hazardous conditions, Murkomen added, but officials planned to resume efforts at first light. Emergency teams are working under challenging circumstances, with mudslides and flash floods severely affecting access to the hardest-hit areas.
The Kenyan Red Cross released aerial photographs showing extensive mudflows and widespread flooding, which have destroyed homes and swept through large areas of farmland. The humanitarian organisation stated that it is collaborating closely with government agencies to coordinate rescue and relief operations, including emergency air evacuations for injured residents.
“Access to some of the affected areas remains extremely difficult due to flooding and blocked routes,” the Red Cross said. “The full extent of the destruction is still being assessed as teams struggle to reach isolated communities.”
Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. Local communities have been urged to remain vigilant, as heavy rains are expected to persist, increasing the risk of further landslides in the region.
For clarity, key details of the disaster are summarised below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Marakwet East, western Kenya |
| Date of Incident | Overnight, Friday–Saturday, 11 November 2025 |
| Confirmed Deaths | 21 |
| Missing Persons | More than 30 |
| Cause | Landslide triggered by heavy rainfall |
| Weather Conditions | Persistent rain, ongoing rainy season |
| Rescue Operations | Temporarily suspended at night, to resume at daylight |
| Humanitarian Response | Kenyan Red Cross coordinating with government agencies; emergency air evacuations underway |
| Challenges | Flooded and blocked routes, difficult access to affected areas |
The landslide has left families devastated and entire communities isolated, highlighting the dangers posed by seasonal rains in the region. Authorities and humanitarian groups are continuing their efforts to locate missing persons and provide urgent assistance to those affected.