This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
On a fateful Friday afternoon, a tragedy struck Chewoyet primary school in West Pokot County when two Standard Eight pupils and a mason fell into a 40ft borehole. The incident occurred after a container used to draw water fell into the well, prompting the pupils to try and retrieve it.
Despite the efforts of police officers, the county rescue team, and the Kenya Red Cross Society, the bodies remained trapped in the borehole for hours. It was not until around 6pm that Leonard Kamosin, a local gold miner, offered to help.
Without an oxygen cylinder to assist him, Kamosin descended into the borehole, using his gold mining experience to navigate the treacherous terrain. His wife, Teresa Chebet, was left praying for his safety, fearing that he might not return.
"He had not informed me prior to his decision to rescue. I just saw him take a rope and started fastening it around his waist. In a matter of seconds, he started descending into the borehole. I was shocked," Teresa Chebet recalled.
With the help of a villager who also sinks boreholes, Kamosin was able to retrieve the three bodies, bringing closure to the families of the victims. The community has hailed Kamosin as a hero, with many calling for him to be employed in the disaster management team.
"I sacrificed for the sake of my community members. I have lived with my neighbours peacefully and I don’t expect any reward because I might need help tomorrow or any other day," Kamosin said.
