Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has joined other Kenyans in mourning the victims of a landslide in West Pokot.
In a Facebook post on Sunday morning, the outspoken legislator expressed his pain at the loss of life, revealing that he had spent a significant part of his youth in West Pokot as a missionary.
"My heart bleeds with the people of West Pokot. As a youth, I spent a great amount of time in West Pokot as a missionary with AGC Kenya. Such a beautiful county, full of people with golden hearts.I cannot begin to imagine the pain in their hearts this morning in light of the mud slide disaster. May God grant them the fortitute to bear this loss, " he said.
Media reports indicate that at least 29 people have lost their lives as a result of the tragedy.
The landslide was triggered by severe weather conditions that West Pokot came under.
Interior and Coordination of National Government Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i confirmed the deaths that had occurred.
“We are saddened to confirm that 12 people from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South, and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central lost their lives,” Matiang’i said as quoted by Guardian.
Rescue efforts on Saturday were hampered by heavy rains pounding the county.
Residents living in areas that are prone to landslides have been urged to move to safer areas to prevent more deaths.