The body of Dr. Jairus Omuteche, a lecturer at Masinde Muliro University, was recovered from River Jordan on Monday evening after being missing for three days. The university don had reportedly disappeared on Saturday after visiting his farm, which is situated near the river. His sudden disappearance sparked a search operation led by his family, local authorities, and members of the community. The body was discovered approximately 15 kilometers from where he was last seen, close to an intersection where the river merges with River Yala.
The alarm was raised by Dr. Omuteche’s family, who, through the assistance of Ebulonga chief Evans Ouya, called for help in locating him. The lecturer had gone to his farm to gather sticks for preparing a cowshed. According to Chief Ouya, a search began immediately after Dr. Omuteche was reported missing. On the fateful day, witnesses reported seeing freshly cut sticks on the farm, and one of them was found floating in the river. This raised suspicions that Dr. Omuteche may have accidentally drowned, prompting the family to intensify the search efforts in the river.
The search ended on Monday afternoon when divers retrieved his body from the river. It was discovered near a bend in the river, about 15 kilometers downstream from the point where he had been last seen. His family, the local community, and authorities had feared the worst, and the grim discovery confirmed their worst suspicions. The body was transported to the Itando Mission Hospital morgue for post-mortem and further investigation.
Chief Ouya expressed his sorrow and described Dr. Omuteche as a committed educator and a philanthropist. “He was one of the few educationists we had in this region. Apart from his academic work, he was deeply invested in uplifting his community,” Ouya said. Dr. Omuteche was known for his charitable work, particularly in supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education. He had established a fund to sponsor such students, a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of those around him.
Additionally, Dr. Omuteche was an advocate for youth employment, having employed local youths to assist with various development projects he was involved in, particularly on his farm. His untimely death has left a significant void in both the academic and local community, as many had benefited from his generosity and vision for a better future.
In the wake of the incident, Luanda detectives have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of Dr. Omuteche’s death. Although it is believed that the lecturer may have drowned, the police will conduct a thorough inquiry to rule out any foul play. The investigation aims to provide closure to the family and the community, who have been left devastated by the loss.
Dr. Omuteche’s tragic death highlights the unpredictable nature of rural life, where accidents such as drowning in rivers are not uncommon. His family, friends, and colleagues are struggling to come to terms with the loss of an individual who had dedicated much of his life to educating and uplifting others.
As the investigation continues, the local community mourns the loss of an educator and philanthropist whose impact was felt far beyond the classroom. The tragic end to Dr. Omuteche’s life serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those who make a difference in their communities.
