Kisumu Tragedy as Four Brothers Drown in Abandoned Quarry
Environmental activist Jack Owino criticised what he termed lax enforcement of environmental regulations, calling on the government to urgently reclaim the hazardous sites.
By Ruth Sang
Grieving residents of Kanyakwar district in Kisumu Central Sub-County learned about the drowning death of four brothers who had been swimming at an old quarry site on Sunday evening.
The boys, aged 15, 13, 10 and 8, reportedly ventured into the water-filled pit near Kudho Primary School when the incident occurred. According to Kondele Location Chief Maurice Ajwang, one of the boys swam into the deeper section of the quarry and began struggling in the water.
The chief said the other three brothers, who were swimming near the shores, attempted to rescue him but were overwhelmed by the depth of the water, leading to all four drowning.
The police officers arrived at the scene to begin their rescue mission which later included help from local residents. The team managed to retrieve the bodies from the quarry, locally known as Kudho dam.
“They were swimming in the quarry when one of them drowned at the deep end. The others tried to save him but unfortunately, they all drowned,” Chief Ajwang said.
The bodies were taken to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary, where they are awaiting postmortem examinations.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo described the incident as tragic and urged parents and guardians to warn children against swimming in unprotected water bodies, particularly abandoned quarries that are often deep and dangerous.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the numerous open quarries scattered across Kanyakwar and neighbouring areas. Residents say the water-filled pits which murram miners left behind have caused numerous fatalities throughout the years especially among children because no one has taken action to either fill or secure them.
Environmental activist Jack Owino criticised what he termed lax enforcement of environmental regulations, calling on the government to urgently reclaim the hazardous sites.
These open pits have become death traps. We have lost dozens of young lives here. The government must ensure they are filled and secured immediately, Owino said.
He further urged authorities to compel murram miners to comply with environmental laws by reclaiming land once extraction activities come to an end.
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