Nema asked to restore quarries as KDF soldier, sons buried

Leaders in Meru County want the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) to order the rehabilitation of abandoned quarries across the country to avert further loss of lives.

Children are among those who have died at the sites, some while swimming in the water that gathers there.

"HEROES"

Two weeks ago, Sergeant James Meme, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, drowned while trying to save his two sons who had been swimming in a quarry at the Thika 12th Engineers Battalion.

Mr Meme died alongside his sons Joseph Kithinji (11) and Vincent Muchui (7).

Witnesses said Mr Muchui was first to jump into the pool and that his brother followed after realising he was struggling.

Their brother, three-year-old Julius Muriithi rushed to call his father to rescue them.

The three were buried at Kiegoi Village in Igembe South on Friday.

“Kithinji died while trying to save his brother while Meme died trying to save his sons. As we bury them, we celebrate heroes,” Mr Meme’s brother, Moses Karani, said while reading the eulogy.

County speaker Joseph Kaberia and area MP John-Paul Mwirigi said Nema should ensure those who exploit quarry resources should be forced to rehabilitate them. 

“Before rehabilitation, the areas should be fenced so that children are not tempted to swim there,” Mr Kaberia said.

East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Mpuru Aburi asked the government to take care of the family.