A 55-year-old man died after a quarry caved in while he was working at South Ngariama, Mwea, Kirinyaga County. The collapse, which occurred suddenly on January 13, 2026, trapped the victim beneath heavy debris. Rescue efforts were mounted, but he succumbed to injuries before he could be pulled out.
Local authorities have since cautioned residents and workers about the dangers of operating in unstable quarries, urging strict adherence to safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Elsewhere in Mbale, Vihiga County, a 26-year-old man lost his life after suffocating inside a borehole. Police said the team had dug nearly 70 feet deep when the deceased signaled that he was struggling to breathe. Despite attempts to rescue him, he did not survive.
The incident highlights the risks associated with borehole excavation, particularly the dangers of poor ventilation in deep shafts.
Police in both counties confirmed the incidents and emphasized the need for stricter safety protocols in quarrying and borehole drilling. Community leaders have also called for enhanced training and protective equipment for workers engaged in such hazardous tasks.
