This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
On Monday, Deputy President William Ruto visited the Kapenguria County Teaching and Referral Hospital to meet with patients and victims of the West Pokot landslide that occurred on Saturday night.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Ruto expressed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy, stating that the government was working closely with various agencies to prevent further loss of life.
"The Government is working closely with various agencies to ensure that we do not lose more lives," he said.
Dr. Ruto was accompanied by West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, and several Members of Parliament, including Samuel Moroto, Peter Lochakapong, Mark Lomunokol, and David Pkosing.
He revealed that at least 40 doctors from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital had been mobilized to attend to the survivors of the tragedy, and that an extra helicopter would be put on the ground to help with logistics.
West Pokot Governor Lonyangapuo noted that the situation was dire, with at least 20,000 people displaced, and called on well-wishers to offer their help.
"There is an urgent need for an upscale of humanitarian assistance," he explained. "We have never experienced a disaster of such a massive magnitude."
