Nairobi: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for a unified and multiagency approach to disaster management, assuring Kenyans that the government would continue strengthening its readiness and response systems.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen spoke during the joint requiem mass for the Chesongoch landslide victims in Elgeyo Marakwet, where eight victims were laid to rest in Embobut-Embolot and Sambirir wards. He emphasized that the National Security Council has directed a coordinated disaster response framework. "Going forward, disaster management will continue to be a unified front, prepared and executed in a multiagency manner. We must stand together, work together and respond together," he stated.
Murkomen commended the swift response witnessed in Marakwet during the landslide tragedy and assured that similar efficiency would be maintained nationwide in case of tragedies. "Just the way our teams responded quickly here in Marakwet, that is how we shall respond everywhere. Police helicopters and other air-support units will always be on standby for emergencies," he noted.
The CS announced immediate government support to the affected families, including settling all hospital and mortuary bills. He confirmed that families who lost loved ones would receive Sh200,000 each, noting that Sh100,000 had already been disbursed, with the remaining amount set to follow. Injured survivors will receive Sh150,000, he added.
Murkomen also mentioned additional compensation for families who lost land and livestock, while those whose homes were destroyed would have new houses constructed for them in safe locations. However, he issued a warning against attempts to exploit the tragedy for fraudulent gain. "Only the affected should be compensated. There must be no non-genuine beneficiaries. Every name on the list must be verified," he stressed.
The CS directed the county security team led by the County Commissioner to spearhead the verification process and ensure that only legitimate victims receive assistance. "There should not be extra people added to the list. For every name, verification is mandatory," Murkomen warned.
The requiem mass brought together families, leaders, and residents who mourned the victims of the devastating landslide, even as government agencies continue supporting ongoing search, recovery, and resettlement efforts.