Two pupils drowned on Friday evening at an abandoned quarry in Kabete, shortly after participating in a tree-planting event.
After the event, which was held to mark Mazingira Day, a group of pupils reportedly went swimming when tragedy struck.
The victims, a boy and a girl, were among the pupils who jumped into the water without knowing how deep it was or what dangers lay beneath the surface.
According to reports, the boy tried to rescue the girl and also drowned.
Officers from Kabete Police Station led the rescue efforts at the scene, but unfortunately, neither pupil could be saved in time. The bodies were taken to PCEA Kikuyu Hospital mortuary.
According to Kabete Sub-County Police Commander said that the boy had responded to a distress call from a group of pupils who had jumped into the quarry.
“One of them went in first, and when they saw their friend starting to sink, they tried to raise the alarm. Then the other pupil came to rescue her and ended up sinking himself,” Kimotho stated.
The police have since launched investigations into the incident.
Abandoned Quarries
Kimotho raised concerns about the matter, urging parents to remain vigilant with children during such events
He warned against quarries being abandoned urging that they should be refilled as they pose risks to the community living around them.
"Parents, we must be more watchful over our children. These pupils had gone to school for a tree-planting exercise but decided to come and swim in this open quarry. This place poses a danger not only to children but also to adults who use it.”
“Anyone operating a quarry must ensure it is covered once work is complete to prevent such disasters. This is a tragedy that should not be accepted anywhere," Kimotho said.
He added that the police and other local leaders were working on identifying abandoned and making sure that they are rehabilitated quarries to prevent more loss of life
"Those involved in quarrying activities, we have put measures in place to ensure that once they finish excavation, they fill the pits with soil. This will protect their business interests and also prevent tragedies,” he added.
