Africa-Press – Kenya. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has issued an executive directive suspending all quarrying activities across Kisumu County following the tragic drowning of four young boys in an abandoned quarry at Kudho, Kisumu Central Sub-county.
In a condolence message, Governor Nyong’o described the deaths of the four siblings, sons of Felix Otieno, as a devastating and preventable tragedy that has plunged the entire county into mourning.
“With immediate effect, all quarrying activities, including murram and sand harvesting within Kisumu County, are suspended,” the directive reads.
Nyong’o said only quarry and mining operations with valid legal approvals, enforceable safety standards, and approved land rehabilitation plans will be considered for resumption.
“No mining or quarrying activity shall be permitted to operate without a clearly approved, time-bound land rehabilitation and restoration plan to ensure that excavated sites do not remain hazardous to the public ”.
Following the four boys drowning in the open, unregulated quarry near their home, the incident has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over unsafe abandoned excavation sites within residential areas.
Calling the loss “a calamity beyond words,” the governor extended his heartfelt condolences to Otieno’s family, relatives, and friends, noting that the tragedy goes beyond one household.
“This is not just a loss to one family. It is a grievous loss to the Kudho Primary School community, Kisumu Central Sub-county, and the entire county. In these children, we have lost future professionals, leaders, and servants of our society,” he said.
Governor Nyong’o was unequivocal that the incident could and should have been prevented, faulting the existence of open, unsafe, and unregulated quarries within communities.
“The safety of our children and citizens cannot be compromised by negligence, disregard for the law, or irresponsible exploitation of our environment,” he said.
As part of the executive action, the governor directed the County Department of Environment, working jointly with the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Office of the County Commissioner, to immediately form a multi-agency task force.
The task force will conduct a comprehensive audit of all quarries in the county, enforce compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and take firm legal action against individuals or entities operating illegally.
“We owe it to the memory of these four young boys to act decisively so that no other family in Kisumu County endures such unbearable grief,” the governor said.
He further prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family, saying, “May the souls of the departed children rest in eternal peace, and may God grant Felix Otieno and his family the fortitude to endure this profound loss.”
