Two men tragically lost their lives early Monday morning while cleaning a well in the Kapseret area of Uasin Gishu County, highlighting ongoing safety concerns surrounding well maintenance and confined space operations in Kenya.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. in Deblock Estate, shocking the local community. According to eyewitnesses, one man had entered the well to begin cleaning while his colleague remained above to monitor. When the first man began struggling and called for help, the second man rushed in to assist. Sadly, both men lost their lives, with preliminary reports indicating that oxygen depletion and suffocation were the likely causes of death.
Local resident Joseph Ondimu recounted the heartbreaking event, noting that the victims were brothers and had recently lost their father just a month prior. He called on well owners to hire trained professionals for such tasks, warning that the risks involved in entering confined underground spaces without the proper equipment are simply too high.
This marks the fourth well or borehole-related fatality in Uasin Gishu County in just two months. In a separate case last month, a man died while cleaning a borehole in Ilula village near Eldoret City. That incident, like the most recent one, was attributed to suffocation caused by low oxygen levels inside the confined space.
Speaking to the media, Uasin Gishu County Chief Fire Officer David Sitati warned residents about the dangers of confined spaces such as wells and boreholes, especially during periods of high temperatures that further reduce available oxygen.
“Entering wells or boreholes is extremely hazardous—particularly in hot weather when oxygen levels are dangerously low,” Sitati said. “We strongly urge residents to avoid hiring untrained individuals for such work.”
Sitati emphasized the importance of professional well-cleaning services, proper ventilation, and use of safety gear. He also advised residents to ensure wells and boreholes are securely covered when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
As investigations continue, this latest tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the need for strict safety protocols when dealing with underground water sources. County officials and community leaders are calling for increased public awareness and improved safety enforcement to prevent further loss of life.
