This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On a tragic Thursday, June 18, 2020, a 21-year-old woman, Cynthia Awuor, lost her life in a quarry accident in Homa Bay County.
A mother of three, Awuor was among a group of women who ventured into the quarry in Kolondo village, Rachuonyo East Sub-County, to harvest sand for a living.
According to eyewitnesses, the walls of the quarry caved in, trapping Awuor inside. Despite the efforts of her colleagues to rescue her, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
"Ms Awuor died when the walls of the quarry collapsed," said Kodumo West Assistant Chef Nelly Amata, who was among the first responders.
The incident has sparked concerns about the dangers of sand harvesting, particularly during the rainy season. Rachuonyo East Deputy County Commissioner Jack Obuo warned residents against engaging in the activity, citing the ban imposed by the Homa Bay County government to contain the spread of Covid-19.
"We want locals to stop sand harvesting since it has been banned by the Homa Bay County government. It is dangerous to be in a quarry when it is raining," Obuo said.
