A Mazingira Day celebration in Kabete turned tragic after two Grade Nine pupils drowned in an abandoned quarry shortly after participating in a tree-planting exercise.
According to reports, a group of pupils decided to cool off by swimming in the quarry following the event. The victims—a boy and a girl jumped into the water unaware of its depth and hidden dangers beneath the surface.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the girl began to struggle in the water, prompting the boy to rush to her aid. Sadly, both drowned before help could reach them. Officers from Kabete Police Station led a rescue operation, but neither pupil could be saved in time. Their bodies were later moved to the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital mortuary.
Kabete Sub-County Police Commander Kimotho confirmed the incident, explaining that the boy had responded to distress calls from his schoolmates before the tragedy unfolded.
“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 said.
The police have launched investigations into the incident. Commander Kimotho also raised concerns about the dangers posed by abandoned quarries, urging quarry operators to refill pits after completion of work and parents to be more vigilant during school activities.
“These open quarries are death traps. They pose a danger not only to children but also to adults who use the surrounding areas. Anyone operating a quarry must ensure it is covered once work is complete to prevent such disasters,” he added.
Authorities have pledged to identify and rehabilitate abandoned quarries in Kabete to prevent future tragedies.
