Four people drowned in separate incidents across various regions on Monday, according to police reports. The tragic events involved individuals from different age groups, including a six-year-old boy. The police are urging the public to exercise caution, particularly in areas where rivers and water bodies have swollen due to the ongoing heavy rains.
The first incident occurred in Athi River, where Robert Kilonzo, a 40-year-old man, tragically drowned in a well on his property. According to police, Kilonzo was using a fixed pulley to remove mud from the well when he lost his balance and fell into the water. Despite efforts by local residents to help, it took several hours before Kilonzo’s lifeless body was retrieved from the well. Police reported that there were no visible signs of physical injuries, and the body was transported to Kangundo Level Four Hospital for an autopsy.
In a separate case, the body of a man was found floating in River Sagana, located in Kirinyaga County. The body was discovered in a decomposed state, suggesting that it had been in the water for some time. Police believe the body was swept downstream and had become trapped by a tree along the riverbank. While the identity of the deceased remains unknown, investigations are underway. The body was taken to the Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary for further examination and identification.
A third drowning incident occurred in Makuyu, Murang’a County, where Albert Mwanzia, a middle-aged man, drowned in a dam. Police reported that Mwanzia was attempting to fetch water from the dam when he lost his footing and fell in. Local divers were able to recover his body, which was then transported to a nearby mortuary for an autopsy. As with the previous incidents, police have urged the public to take greater care around water bodies, particularly as the heavy rains continue to cause water levels to rise.
The final drowning incident involved a six-year-old boy in Mbeere, Embu County. The young child, who was a pre-primary pupil at Bright Young Star Academy, drowned in a seasonal river in the Gatwanyanga area. According to police, the boy’s body was recovered by members of the community after he was found submerged in the water. The boy’s tragic death has shocked the local community, and his body was moved to the mortuary for an autopsy as authorities continue their investigation.
These incidents have brought attention to the growing dangers posed by swollen rivers and dams, particularly as the country experiences a period of heavy rainfall. The police have emphasized the importance of taking extra precautions near water bodies, as many rivers are experiencing unusually high water levels. The public is urged to be vigilant and to avoid engaging in risky activities, especially in areas where water levels have risen due to the rains. The authorities also recommend that parents keep a closer watch on their children, particularly in areas where there are open water bodies.
The series of drownings has left communities in mourning, with many expressing concerns about the increased risks posed by the ongoing rains. In response, police have reiterated the need for safety awareness and the importance of taking preventative measures to avoid further tragedies.
