Search for man buried alive while harvesting sand in Kirinyaga

A search operation is ongoing for a 54-year-old man who was buried alive while harvesting sand in Kirinyaga County.

The operation resumed Wednesday morning at the site located in Ngucue village.

“Efforts to locate him are ongoing. Locals from Murinduko Ward have joined the search operation,” police said.

The man, identified as Josphat Muchiri, was buried alive after a cliff at Ngucue quarry collapsed on him on Tuesday night.

According to the authorities, it is believed that the man was buried 10 feet under.

“Two people escaped unhurt. They are being attended to as they are still in shock,” they added.

Sand harvesting is a common trade in the area, with many resorting to the activity to fend for their families.

“Farming is an option but due to lack of water, we got into sand harvesting,” Paul Muna, a resident, said.

The Mwea East security team led by the area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Fred Ayieko is overseeing the exercise.