By Mandere Onyinkwa and KNA
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has suspended all quarrying countywide after four children from one family drowned at an abandoned quarry in Kudho.
In a press statement issued while condoling with the bereaved family, the governor said the ban covers all quarrying, including murram and sand harvesting.
He noted that only quarry and mining operations with valid legal approvals and demonstrable, enforceable safety standards would be considered for resumption.
“No mining or quarrying activity shall be permitted to operate without a clearly approved, time-bound rehabilitation and restoration plan to ensure that excavated sites do not remain hazardous to the public,” Prof. Nyong’o said.
The governor directed the County Department of Environment, in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Office of the County Commissioner, to immediately form a joint task force.
“This task force shall carry out a comprehensive audit of all existing quarries within the county, enforce full compliance with the law, and take firm legal action against all individuals or entities operating illegally or in violation of safety and environmental regulations,” he added.
In his condolence message, Prof. Nyong’o said the deaths had robbed society of future professionals, leaders, and servants, diminishing the entire community.
“With deep sadness, I must also state with utmost clarity that this is a tragedy that could and should have been prevented. The existence of open, unregulated, and unsafe quarries within our communities is unacceptable,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the safety of children and all citizens cannot be compromised through negligence, disregard for the law, or irresponsible exploitation of the environment.
“On behalf of the County Government of Kisumu and on my own behalf, I convey my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Felix Okoth, his family, relatives, and friends at this very sad and trying moment. I join the people of Kisumu County in mourning these innocent young lives whose promise and potential have been so cruelly extinguished,” Prof. Nyong’o said.
Following the tragedy, grief engulfed the Kanyakwar area in Kisumu Central Sub-County on Sunday evening after the four brothers drowned while swimming, according to the Kenya News Agency (KNA).
The boys, aged 15, 13, 10 and 8, are said to have ventured into the water-filled pit near Kudho Primary School when tragedy struck.
According to Kondele Location Chief Maurice Ajwang, one of the boys, who had swum to the deeper end of the quarry, began struggling in the water.
His three brothers, who were swimming on the shores, reportedly swung into action to rescue him but were all overwhelmed by the depth of the dam.
Police officers, he said, rushed to the scene and quickly mobilised a rescue operation.
The team, which was joined by members of the community, managed to retrieve the four bodies from the quarry, commonly 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,” said the chief.
The bodies were moved to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo termed the incident tragic and urged parents and guardians to caution children against swimming in unprotected water bodies, especially abandoned quarries that are often deep and dangerous.
Environmental activist Jack Owino criticised what he described as lax enforcement of environmental regulations, saying the government must move with speed to reclaim the dangerous 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,” said Owino.
He added that murram miners must be compelled to adhere to the country’s environmental laws by reclaiming the land upon exiting extraction sites.