Residents of a village in Embu County are in shock after a 63-year-old man drowned in a water-filled quarry.
The incident happened in Kathambaiconi village of Kagaari South in Runyenjes Constituency.
Kwa Njagi Area Principal Chief Daniel Ndwiga said they were forced to abandon rescue efforts due to lack of necessary equipment.
“We were forced to temporarily abandon the operation on Tuesday but we are resuming on Wednesday morning,” Ndwiga said.
At the same time, he called on residents to be careful around pits filled with water, which pose a danger.
The latest incident comes amid mounting pressure on the county government to enforce regulations that will require excavators to refill dangerous pits.
“Most of the companies operating in the area leave the pits open after the mining work is completed. We hope that once the regulations are in place, they will help prevent such tragedies.”
