Two Grade 9 Pupils Drown in Quarry
The community in Muguga, Kiambu County, is in deep sorrow after two Grade 9 students tragically drowned while swimming in an abandoned quarry on Friday afternoon.
The young victims, a boy and a girl from Muguga Primary School, had just taken part in a tree-planting event at their school to celebrate Mazingira Day, a national occasion focused on environmental conservation.
According to Mumbi Ngugi, a member of the school’s board, the pupils were dismissed after the activity but decided to visit a nearby quarry to swim instead of heading home.
“They had been at school planting trees and preparing for their Kenya Junior School Certificate Assessment exams. We had prayed for them, hoping they would perform well. It is heartbreaking that their lives have been cut short on such a day,” Ngugi said.
Kabete Sub-County Police Commander Peter Kimotho confirmed what happened, sharing that the students had already left the school grounds when the tragedy struck.
Divers from Kiambu County acted quickly, recovering the bodies as heartbroken residents gathered nearby to support the grieving families.
“Parents should be vigilant about their children’s movements. These pupils had gone to plant trees but later diverted to swim in a dangerous quarry. Every quarry owner should ensure such sites are fenced or filled once operations end to prevent similar tragedies,” Kimotho said.
The recent incident has sparked fresh worries about the safety of abandoned quarries in Kiambu and nearby areas.
Patrick Ngaruiya, the MCA for Ngecha/Tigoni Ward, is calling on authorities to implement stricter regulations, pointing out that many quarry operators neglect to secure their sites after excavation.
“We are working with local leaders to identify and rehabilitate abandoned quarries. Those involved in quarrying must take responsibility by filling up pits after completion to protect communities and prevent further loss of life,” Ngaruiya said.
The two pupils, who were candidates for the upcoming Kenya Junior School Certificate Assessment (KJSCA), have left the Muguga community in deep mourning.
Two Grade 9 Pupils Drown in Quarry
