A man drowned while swimming at Gwatu river in Runywene village in Meru County, according to the assistant chief.
Evangeline, the assistant chief said that she responded to a man who had gone under water. It was told the man had accompanied his mother to a farm when he got out to swim.
Red Cross team were called to the searched for the man but could not find him.
“The deceased Joseph Mutwiri went for a swim and I believe he didn’t know the depth of the water. When the mother realized he’d taken long to return he went to in search of him. When she found her son’s phone, shoes and clothes placed beside the water, she raised an alarm. Members of the community responded and searched for him and could not locate him,” said Evangeline.
“The fire and rescue team were contacted and said they would come the following day as it was dark. The next day, they arrived with their equipment and looked for the body everywhere but did not find it. They said that they had to leave and that the body would float. After sometime, I received a call and was informed that a body had been discovered floating in the water,” said Evangeline
She said the Red Cross team arrived on scene and pulled the body out of the water. She said the police later took the body to the morgue
“I caution members of the community against washing clothes, fetching water and fishing from the river because a similar accident also happened not long ago where a boy drowned while fishing. The Gwatu river poses a danger to anyone going for a swim has caves beneath it. My condolences to the family,” said Evangeline.
Alex Mwenda, Chairman, Kiiga clan, said that the incident was the third one to have happened in the community.
“I urge the members of the community to be cautious when crossing the river as it poses a risk. They should be careful of their children’s whereabouts and take good care of them. I appreciate the Red Cross team for the good work they’ve done. They came and left in the morning and returned later when they were called,” said Mwenda.
Miriam, a resident appreciate the chief and the assistant chief for staying the scene until the body was pulled out of the water
According to Mbaabu, a resident, the deceased was a mechanic who was responsible and trustworthy. He urged residents to ensure they were accompanied when they go when they got out to swim.
