A tragic incident unfolded in Mwala Subcounty, Machakos County, where a 14-year-old boy lost his life while trying to rescue oxen that had fallen into an earth dam.
The boy, a Grade 9 pupil at Ngunyumu Primary School named Patrick, had gone to fetch water at Miseleni earth dam in Ulaani Village on Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by a 10-year-old boy.
According to police reports, as the boys approached the dam with an ox cart, the oxen unexpectedly moved into the water. Both boys jumped in to save the animals and the cart. While one boy managed to swim back to safety, Patrick disappeared beneath the surface.
Members of the public succeeded in rescuing the oxen and recovering the cart. Local divers later retrieved Patrick’s body from the dam at around 5:25 pm. The body was taken to Tala Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Police have classified the death as an accidental drowning and have urged the public, especially children, to exercise caution near dams, rivers, and other water bodies.
Other Recent Drowning Incidents
- In Kisii County, a 30-year-old man named Hamphrey Nyamwaro is believed to have drowned while bathing in River Mogusii. Nyamwaro, who reportedly suffered from epilepsy, went to the river alone and was later found submerged. Police are investigating whether a seizure contributed to the drowning. His body is at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary awaiting further examination.
- In Mombasa County, authorities are investigating the discovery of an unidentified man’s body washed ashore near the Likoni Ferry crossing. The man, estimated to be about 45 years old, showed no visible injuries. Police suspect he drowned elsewhere before ocean currents carried his body to the shore. The body is at Coast General Hospital Mortuary as investigations continue.
