Four children killed in landslide as they prepare for prayers

Kwale, Kenya - Four children aged between eight and 12 were buried alive on Friday evening after a massive landslide hit Maganyakulo area of Matuga in Kwale County

 

A slide of quick sand broke and buried the children as they bathed in a water pan inside a quarry. The cause of the landslide was not immediately established, but heavy rains have been pounding the area for weeks.

A fifth child was rescued and is being treated at a Kwale hospital.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and County Commissioner Evans Achoki immediately closed the killer quarry that has existed for three years.

“It was around 6pm when the children were preparing to go to the mosque for evening prayers. They had gone to take a bath at the quarry when the sand came down on them,” said Mohammed Mwarimo, whose two children — Ismael Ali, 8, and Kassim Salim,11 — were killed in the landslide.

Mwarimo said other children raised the alarm after seeing their friends disappear in the sand and neighbours rushed to the scene. A fifth child, who had already sank waist deep into the sand, was rescued.

Ali Salim, who lost a son, said they have complained for a long time about the quarry. Salim is also the father of the boy who survived.

“This has been a disaster in waiting but all pleas to close up this place has been met with resistance,” Salim said.

Said Pembegwa, the village headman, said the quarry will be closed immediately.

“Sand harvesting has also assisted the community during deaths and burials. However due to what has befallen us it has to be closed,” he said.