Nairobi: Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has assured residents of the Kerio Valley region that the government will support them until all the challenges brought about by the recent landslides are fully addressed. Speaking during a visit to the affected areas, Murkomen stated that the National Government, under the directive of President William Ruto, had ordered immediate action to assist the victims and restore normalcy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen emphasized the government’s commitment by announcing the formation of a special committee to oversee the resettlement and recovery process, ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of aid and resources. ‘We want a genuine list of those affected by the landslides,’ he stressed, adding that no favoritism would be tolerated in the process.
The Cabinet Secretary also directed county leaders to expedite the recovery process, setting a clear timeframe of two months for completion. ‘The county leadership should move with speed and ensure the task is completed within two months, not dragged on for six months or even a year,’ Murkomen stated firmly.
Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, echoed the commitment of the government, underscoring ongoing support for disaster victims across the nation. ‘The Special Programmes docket will continue giving support to everyone affected by any disaster,’ Ruku confirmed, further assuring that efforts will persist in Elgeyo Marakwet until the situation is fully resolved.
The assurance from the government comes as residents of Marakwet East continue to grapple with the aftermath of the landslide, which claimed numerous lives and displaced several families. Relief operations and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing in the worst-hit areas of the Kerio Valley.