2 grade 9 pupils die in Kiambu quarry while swimming

The area of Muguga in Kiambu County has been left mourning after two Grade 9 pupils drowned while swimming in an abandoned quarry on Friday afternoon.

The victims, a boy and a girl from Muguga Primary School, had earlier participated in a tree-planting exercise at their school in celebration of Mazingira Day, a national event dedicated to environmental conservation.

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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 the incident, explaining that the pupils had left the school premises before the tragedy occurred.

Divers from Kiambu County responded swiftly and retrieved the bodies, as emotional residents gathered at the scene to console 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.

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The incident has renewed concern over the safety of abandoned quarries in Kiambu and surrounding areas. Ngecha/Tigoni Ward MCA Patrick Ngaruiya urged authorities to enforce stricter regulations, noting that many quarry operators fail to secure 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.