A tragic incident occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet County where a police officer lost his life while attempting to cross a swollen river. Constable Justine Kirui drowned after slipping off a wooden bridge in Kapsiliot village, with his body later discovered floating on the Moiben River. The unfortunate event happened on April 22, during a period of ongoing heavy rains that have caused rivers in the region to swell dangerously.
Kirui, aged 48, was reportedly off duty at the time of the incident and had been visiting a relative in the area. On his way home, he attempted to cross the wooden bridge spanning the swollen Moiben River, but he lost his footing and fell into the water. The river was swollen due to days of persistent rainfall, which had rendered the bridge and surrounding areas hazardous.
According to those who retrieved the body, Kirui appeared to have hit rocks beneath the bridge as he fell, leading to injuries on his head and nose. Blood was seen oozing from his nose at the time his body was pulled from the water. The presence of rocks just below the bridge likely contributed to the severity of his injuries and his inability to survive the fall.
Local residents discovered the body floating downstream and managed to retrieve and identify it. Kirui was attached to Miwani Police Station and was well known to the community. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through both the local residents and the police service.
The body was moved to a nearby mortuary where it awaits a postmortem examination to confirm the cause of death and assist with ongoing investigations. Authorities have launched a probe to determine the exact circumstances that led to the drowning, although initial findings suggest the incident was an unfortunate accident caused by the treacherous conditions.
The incident comes at a time when cases of drowning have been increasingly reported in various parts of the country. Heavy rains have led to rising water levels in rivers and other water bodies, making them perilous for residents who attempt to navigate them without proper safety precautions.
Officials have expressed concern over the growing number of drownings and are urging the public to exercise heightened caution near rivers and flooded areas. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall in most regions, prompting local authorities and emergency response teams to remain on high alert.
In the capital city, Nairobi, heavy rains earlier in the week led to the deaths of at least six people, with the hardest-hit areas being informal settlements such as Mathare and Mukuru. The deluge not only caused fatalities but also left many residents homeless. Floodwaters swept through homes and roads, displacing hundreds of families who are now seeking temporary shelter.
Efforts are underway to provide assistance to those affected, with humanitarian agencies and government bodies mobilizing resources to offer food, clothing, and temporary shelter to the displaced. The incident in Elgeyo Marakwet serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural elements during the rainy season and underscores the importance of safety awareness during adverse weather conditions.
As the rainy season continues, authorities are calling on citizens to avoid crossing swollen rivers, especially using unsafe or makeshift bridges. The tragedy has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and public education to help prevent further loss of life.
