Tears and grief filled the village of Kanyakwar in Kisumu County yesterday as residents bid farewell to four brothers, aged eight to 15, who tragically drowned in an abandoned quarry.
The deceased identified as Wayn Rooney Otieno, 15; Kelly Otieno, 12; Chris Brown Otieno, 10; and Hillary Ochieng Otieno, 8. The siblings lost their lives on Sunday, February 8, 2026, after falling into the open quarry in Kisumu Central.
Addressing mourners, Mothers Eunice Okoth and Celine Okoth, who lost one and three of the children, respectively, recalled their final conversations with the boys before receiving the devastating news of their deaths. Eunice described her heartbreak:
“I am the one who spoke to them last, but I was shocked to receive a devastating call later that they are no more. I have lost my great friends, messengers, and amazing companions. I ask God to rest their souls in eternal peace,” she said.
Their father, Felix Okoth Otieno alias Fello, spoke of his disbelief and ongoing shock.
“They have shocked me. I don’t know how to mourn them. I know it is God who took them, but I am not happy with what has happened. I still ask myself who stole their souls,” he said.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led Nyanza leaders in mourning the children. They called for urgent action to prevent further tragedies, highlighting the dangers of abandoned quarries in the area.
Governor Nyong’o assured residents that the county government would take immediate steps to refill the quarries, promising to involve the national government if local measures fail.
“As the county government of Kisumu, we must take charge and ensure that those who have left quarries abandoned refill them to avoid more deaths,” the governor said.
The tragic incident has reignited calls for stricter safety measures around hazardous sites in Kisumu County, with the community demanding urgent action to protect children and residents.
