A heart-wrenching tragedy occurred in Kapsokwony, Mt. Elgon, Bungoma County, on September 22, 2025, when an 11-year-old boy lost his life in a fatal rock collapse while seeking shelter in a cave at a local quarry. The young boy, a Grade Six pupil at Kimkung Primary School, had been tasked with delivering food to his father, who was working in the quarry at the time.
As the weather turned stormy, the boy sought refuge under a cave to escape the rain. However, the cave’s roof gave way and collapsed on him, trapping him under a pile of debris. His father, who was sheltering just a few meters away, rushed to his son’s aid along with other quarry workers, but their efforts to rescue him proved unsuccessful.
Emergency services were called, and the boy’s lifeless body was eventually recovered from the site. His remains were transported to a nearby mortuary as police launched an investigation into the cause of the cave-in. The local community, including classmates and teachers at Kimkung Primary School, were devastated by the boy’s untimely death. His empty desk on the following day symbolized the deep sense of loss that had struck the school.
The boy’s tragic death highlights the ongoing risks and safety concerns associated with quarry work, especially in rural areas where safety standards may not be strictly enforced. Quarry workers, often exposed to hazardous working conditions, face potential dangers of cave-ins and landslides, as seen in this unfortunate incident.
Meanwhile, in Kisumu’s Dago area, the body of a 35-year-old fisherman, Stephen Ochieng, was recovered from Lake Victoria after he drowned during a fishing expedition. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a separate incident in Gachoka, Embu County, a nine-year-old pupil at Kangeta Primary School was found dead in his bed under unclear circumstances. The boy, who was in a special unit class, had been found by family members. His body was taken to the mortuary for an autopsy as investigations continued.
Additionally, in Chuka, a 40-year-old man named Francis Mwandiki was found dead in his house after being missing for three days. Police investigations have commenced to establish the cause of his death, and his body was also moved to the mortuary for examination.
These incidents have left the respective communities in mourning as families and authorities await autopsy reports to understand the exact causes of these tragedies.
