Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has cautioned parents against leaving their children unattended without a responsible adult, especially during the long school holiday when learners are away from the care of their teachers.
In a message of condolence delivered through his representative, Evans Mose, Jhanda said it was painful for a parent to lose a child during a holiday meant to strengthen family bonds and bring happiness to parents, children and other family members.
The message was delivered at Irondia Village on Saturday morning when Mose consoled the family of nine-year-old Olivia Otiso, a Grade 3 pupil whose body was found in a homestead well.
Missing pupil found dead in well
According to family members, Olivia was left at home alone on Thursday when other family members went to console bereaved relatives.
Upon returning home, they discovered that she was missing and began searching for her with the assistance of neighbours and police officers.
The search continued until Saturday, when her body was recovered from the well.
Police officers, led by the officer in charge of Birongo Police Station, coordinated the recovery operation before moving the body to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination and further investigations.
"At this time, we cannot comment on the cause of death, but we will wait for the postmortem report to assist us in establishing the circumstances surrounding this mysterious death," said the officer.
He urged members of the public to avoid speculation, remain calm and allow security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the death.
Birongo Ward MCA Shem Nyamwaya thanked the police and Kisii County Disaster Management Response teams for their efforts in recovering the body.
He also urged communities to sensitise children on basic first aid and rescue skills.
Leaders warn of holiday dangers
The incident is a painful reminder that the school holiday period, although meant for rest and family bonding, can expose young learners to various dangers.
Many homesteads have uncovered wells, pit latrines and open water tanks that can become death traps for children playing without supervision.
Similarly, children playing near roads or running errands without appropriate supervision may be exposed to accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles.
At home, burns from open fires, paraffin and hot water, as well as injuries involving farm tools, are among the risks facing children left to undertake potentially dangerous activities without adult guidance.
Beyond physical accidents, the holiday period can expose children to abuse and exploitation.
Girls and boys left with unsuitable caretakers or allowed to wander unsupervised may face risks of sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation.
Some children may also be exposed to hazardous child labour, including work in tea plantations, stone quarries and informal trading activities.
Lack of supervision may further expose older learners to negative peer influence, including the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Unmonitored access to mobile phones and the internet can also expose children to inappropriate content, online predators and cyberbullying.
Parents urged to strengthen supervision
To mitigate these risks, leaders urged parents and guardians to ensure that children remain under appropriate adult supervision throughout the holiday.
They cautioned against leaving young children alone at home and encouraged families to make arrangements with responsible relatives or trusted adults whenever parents or guardians are away.
Families were also advised to cover wells, pit latrines and water tanks, and keep farm tools, chemicals and medicines out of children's reach.
The leaders called for stronger community vigilance through the Nyumba Kumi initiative, encouraging neighbours to look out for children's safety and report suspicious activities.
Parents were encouraged to keep children engaged in supervised church activities, sports and age-appropriate household responsibilities to minimise exposure to avoidable risks.
They also emphasised the importance of discussing personal safety with children, including appropriate and inappropriate touching, and monitoring their mobile phone use and screen time.
The leaders conveyed their condolences to the Otiso family and called on the county government and security agencies to expedite investigations into Olivia's death.
They urged investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether any foul play was involved.
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