Six-Year-Old Drowns in Abandoned Cattle Dip in Kamariny as Residents Demand Safety Measures

A sombre mood has engulfed Kamariny Ward in Keiyo North Sub-County following the tragic death of a six-year-old boy who drowned in an abandoned cattle dip in the Kiptabus area.

The minor, identified as Darius Kiptigei, reportedly went missing on Sunday evening before his body was discovered the following day at Katalel cattle dip.

Confirming the incident, Kamariny Ward Assistant County Commissioner Adrian Kilot said authorities received a report from the area chief and responded promptly.

“We received a report from the Chief of Kiptabus location regarding the incident at Katalel cattle dip. Police officers responded immediately, and the body of the child was found at the scene,” said Kilot.

He added that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

“We urge members of the public to remain calm as investigations are ongoing,” he said.

According to the child’s grandfather, Wilson Kiptigei, the family reported the boy missing after he failed to return home on Sunday evening.

“The child disappeared on Sunday evening, and we reported the matter to the police. It is heartbreaking that he was later found dead in the cattle dip,” he said.

The grieving family has now called on the county government to urgently secure the area, warning that both the abandoned cattle dip and a nearby dam pose serious risks to residents.

“We want the cattle dip and the adjacent dam to be fenced off and fitted with a gate. Security should also be enhanced because children frequently access the area, and many people use the dam for fishing,” Wilson added.

He further cautioned that the unfenced site is dangerous not only to children but also to intoxicated adults who may accidentally wander into the facility.

Echoing the concerns, former cattle dip worker Michael Kipkosgei said the site had previously been secured and incidents of this nature were unheard of.

“I worked at the dip for ten years, and it used to be fenced. During that time, children never ventured into the area,” he said.

Kipkosgei urged the county government to permanently seal off the facility, noting that it is no longer operational and has become a hazard.

“Currently, the dip is not in use, and no adults frequent the area—only children. The county government should seal it off completely to prevent such tragedies,” he added.

Police have since moved the body to Iten County Referral Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures around abandoned public facilities, with residents urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life.