One person has died, and another is seriously injured following a quarry collapse at Giathumbi in Kinyaga village, Mwea-West sub-county, Kirinyaga County, on Thursday evening.
Residents of Kinyaga, led by Pius Murimi Kiama and Rachel Nyokabi, reported that the deceased, 64-year-old Phillip Njaragu and 50-year-old Francis Muriithi, were harvesting stones when the quarry walls unexpectedly collapsed.
Nyokabi explained that they were unable to rescue Njaragu because of the large amount of soil that had collapsed during the operation.
“Njaragu is the one who leased the quarry and employed Muriithi. They were working together,” she said.
In response to the tragedy, Mwea-West Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Kennedy Mounde has ordered the closure of the quarry until a public participation is held to address safety concerns.
“We have closed the quarries at Giathumbi until we have a public participation because we cannot risk their lives,” the DCC stated last night via phone.
The community remains divided. Some villagers support the closure for safety reasons, while others oppose it.
“We will continue with harvesting despite the Deputy County Commissioner’s directive,” Pius Kiama stated.
Conversely, others believe the quarries should remain closed until safety measures are implemented.
“Our people should mind about their safety. They should exercise caution when harvesting stones otherwise these quarries must be closed,” Peter Kinyua said.
