Alcohol bottles lie strewn across Kirandich Dam on the outskirts of Kabarnet town in Baringo County, some bobbing aimlessly on the surface of the water, others piled in careless heaps along the banks, and many more tucked away in the surrounding bushes as if to conceal the trail of repeated misuse.
The scene is disturbing, with cigarettes scattered all over the ground, and used condoms can also be seen, showing that the dam has not only become a drinking spot but also a place for immoral activities.
A signpost at the Kirandich dam in Baringo Central warns people against trespassing on the catchment area.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
What should be a safeguarded, life-sustaining resource now bears the signs of neglect and abuse.
The multi-billion-shilling facility, constructed by an Italian firm three decades ago, has long served as a vital lifeline, supplying water to thousands of residents in Kabarnet town and its surrounding areas.
Apart from supplying water, the dam boasts scenic charm, and the area is known for its cool breeze and peaceful environment, making it an attractive spot for tourists and locals seeking a quiet escape.
Over the years, the dam has also become a meeting place for young boys, who gather there to showcase their swimming and fishing skills, often bringing life and energy to the quiet surroundings.
However, behind this lively scene lies a growing problem. Despite there being two security officers at the gate, the dam is still not adequately protected.
The area is surrounded by thick forest, which makes it difficult to detect intruders. The lack of a perimeter fence exacerbates this, leaving the area open and unprotected — an easy target for those who exploit its isolation.
The situation is now getting worse. Garbage continues to pile up, and fears are growing that the water could be contaminated, putting the health of many people at risk.
Alcohol bottles are floating in Kirandich Dam, on the outskirts of Kabarnet town in Baringo Central, which has become a drinking and drug den.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
Local leaders and residents are now raising concerns and urging the authorities to act quickly. They want the dam to be secured, cleaned up and properly protected, so that it can continue to serve the community safely.
Concerns over the misuse of the dam came to the fore on Sunday, April 26, when thousands of youths who had organised a back-to-school celebration, popularly dubbed a ‘vibe music party’, gathered at the site.
They were having a good time, singing and dancing to loud music from speakers set up at the venue. Others were drinking alcohol on the edge of the dam, seemingly unaware of the dangers posed by the deep water and the importance of the area as a public water source.
When the music faded and the celebrations came to an end, the aftermath painted an even grimmer picture.
Alcohol bottles are scattered around Kirandich dam on the outskirts of Kabarnet town in Baringo Central, which has become a drinking and drug den.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
When the Nation toured the dam on Monday morning, April 27, dozens of alcohol bottles, mostly cheap second-generation liquor, along with cigarettes and used condoms, were strewn all over the area.
Tragedy also struck during the event when a 39-year-old man from the neighbouring Kopkomoi village drowned as he attempted to swim across the dam to join the youth gathering.
According to locals, the man, said to be a skilled swimmer, had consumed two bottles of alcohol before entering the water and is believed to have drowned due to intoxication.
Efforts to recover the body went on for days before it was finally retrieved on Thursday evening, April 30, through a joint operation involving local divers from Cheploch Gorge in Bomet County and the military.
The incident sparked public uproar among local leaders and residents, who are now demanding accountability over who authorised such an event to take place in a high-risk and sensitive area.
They have also raised alarm over the safety of the water, warning that increasing pollution could pose serious health risks to the community.
Local divers and Kenya Red Cross members are searching for Jackson Koros, a 39-year-old man from Kopkomoi village in Baringo Central, who drowned at Kirandich Dam on Sunday, on April 29, 2026.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
Jacob Korir, a local, said on the fateful afternoon, he found the father of six sitting a few metres from the dam, with two bottles of liquor beside him, which he gulped a few minutes later and threw away.
“After a few minutes, he walked towards the dam and lay on a slab before diving into the water. We were with a few elderly men at the edge of the dam, watching the youths on the far end dancing and singing to loud music. He swam from where we were sitting towards the event, but midway he got tired and struggled to backstroke before disappearing into the water and drowning,” said Mr Korir.
He claimed they tried to alert those partying to come to his rescue, but the music was too loud for them to hear their distress calls.
Eric Koros, the deceased’s brother, condemned the organisers who took the event to the dam, describing it as a dangerous venue for partying.
“I am in so much pain that my brother had to die in such circumstances. We are disappointed that some people could organise an event dubbed ‘vibe music’, claimed to be a back-to-school party. Sadly, most of the attendees were school-going children indulging in drugs and alcohol. Whoever allowed such an event in such a dangerous place should be arrested because it is through it that my brother died,” said Mr Koros.
Churo/Amaya Ward MCA Diana Siriti, who also chairs the County Assembly Committee on Disaster Management, questioned how such an event was allowed.
A view of the multi-billion shilling Kirandich dam on the outskirts of Kabarnet town on April 30, 2026.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
She expressed concern that alcohol and drugs were allegedly sold during the party, even to minors, and called for a thorough investigation, noting that some political aspirants were reportedly present.
Baringo County Police Commander Macharia Wanjau confirmed the incident and revealed that 19 adults and four minors were arrested for being drunk and disorderly during the night.
He emphasised that police had not authorised the event and described it as a serious security risk, adding that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched an inquiry into the drowning.
“Holding a party at the mega dam was a security threat, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is carrying out an inquiry to establish what led to the drowning. We arrested 19 adults and minors who were drunk and disorderly. We never permitted such an event,” said Mr Wanjau.
Kirandich Water Company manager Richard Ruto explained that he had only approved a request from a youth group known as ‘vibe music’ to shoot a documentary and plant trees at the site.
He expressed shock after learning that the group instead held a massive party that attracted thousands of youths.
Leaders are now calling for urgent action, including fencing off the dam and enforcing stricter controls to prevent unauthorised access.
Kabarnet MCA Ernest Kibet said those responsible for organising and approving the event should face the law for endangering lives.
He also urged residents to avoid the dam, warning that it is dangerous and remains the main source of water for the area.
“We are told there was an ongoing youth event at the edge of the dam. This is not a suitable place to conduct parties involving alcohol, drugs and other vices. I wonder how youths were allowed access,” he said.
A section of the multi-billion Kirandich dam on the outskirts of Kabarnet town.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation Media Group
Kabarnet Municipality Manager Salome Chelimo also raised concern over pollution at the dam, saying it has been turned into a hideout for illegal activities.
She warned that authorities would soon conduct a clean-up operation and called on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to take action to protect the site.
The dam has also become a death trap. According to locals, more than 10 people have died there since it was built.
Residents say many of these deaths could have been prevented if the dam had been properly secured, accusing the government of ignoring repeated calls to fence off the area.
“Should we continue losing innocent lives before action is taken?” posed Rachel Kiptui, a concerned resident.
