Fear as Four Brothers Drown While Swimming in an Open Quarry in Kisumu
Shock and grief have engulfed a family and residents of Kisumu County after four brothers drowned while swimming in an open quarry on Sunday evening, February 9. The tragic incident has renewed concerns over the safety of abandoned quarries and unprotected water sites across the country, particularly those located near learning institutions and residential areas.
The incident occurred at an open quarry near Kudho Primary and Secondary School, where the boys had reportedly gone to swim after spending part of the day at home. Authorities confirmed that the four victims were brothers aged between eight and 15 years.
“The four were brothers from the same family. One of them went into a deeper part of the quarry and started drowning. The others attempted to rescue him, but unfortunately, they were also overwhelmed by the water,” Leparmorijo said.
Witnesses at the scene said the quarry, which was previously used for stone extraction, had filled with rainwater over time, creating the appearance of a harmless swimming spot. However, the water is believed to be deep and unstable, with steep sides that make escape difficult.
Residents who witnessed the incident raised the alarm and contacted security agencies. Police officers and rescue teams rushed to the scene and coordinated the recovery operation. The bodies of the four boys were later retrieved and taken to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where they are awaiting post-mortem examinations.
Police confirmed that investigations have been launched to establish the exact circumstances that led to the drowning and to determine whether negligence or failure to secure the site played a role.
“We have begun investigations into the incident, and we urge the public to cooperate as we seek to establish all the facts surrounding this tragedy,” a police officer at the scene said.
The deaths have sparked renewed calls for stricter measures to secure abandoned quarries and water-filled pits, many of which are located close to schools and residential estates. Local leaders and residents expressed concern that despite repeated incidents, many such sites remain unfenced and accessible to children.
Authorities have cautioned residents, especially parents and guardians, to discourage children from swimming in unprotected water bodies. The National Police Service reiterated that open quarries and dams pose serious risks, particularly during the rainy season when water levels rise unexpectedly.
“We urge members of the public to avoid swimming in unprotected water sites such as quarries and dams. These areas are extremely dangerous and have claimed many lives,” police warned in a statement.
Drowning incidents in open quarries and dams have been reported in several parts of the country in recent years, with children and young people among the most affected. Just last year, in October 2025, two pupils in Kabete, Kiambu County, drowned in an abandoned quarry after a tree-planting activity held to commemorate Mazingira Day. The incident prompted calls for stronger enforcement of safety regulations, but similar sites remain unsecured.
As the Kisumu family mourns the loss of four children in a single evening, residents and leaders are urging authorities to act decisively to prevent further loss of life.
“This is a painful reminder that these abandoned sites are ticking time bombs. Something must be done before more children die,” said a local resident.
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Fear as Four Brothers Drown While Swimming in an Open Quarry in Kisumu
