Tragedy as ten-year-old boy drowns in Kitui River

A ten-year-old boy drowned in a seasonal river in a tragic incident as he swam therein in Ikutha, Kitui County.

 Police said the boy was swimming in the Kathini seasonal river when he drowned on September 3, 2025.

He was in the company of other children when he drowned.

A search was later conducted in the water before the body was retrieved about 20 meters downstream.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other procedures.

Police termed the incident tragic as it left a family devastated.

In Yala, Siaya County, a group of sand harvesters found a decomposed body on the banks of the Yala River after a suspected drowning.

Police said the body had visible head injuries at the time of the discovery.

The body was picked up by the mortuary pending an autopsy and identification.

Police said they are investigating the incident.

Elsewhere in Ithanga, Muranga County, a hippopotamus attacked and killed a man in a river as he crossed near the scene.

The incident happened at Kabuku River in the area on September 3, 2025 and left John Njoroge, 37, with fatal injuries.

Locals said the victim was walking to his home from his workplace and was passing near the river when he was attacked by the animal.

He sustained serious injuries on the waist, legs and chest, leaving him with heavy bleeding.

He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead while being attended to.

The body was moved to a local mortuary pending other procedures.

Police said the Kenya Wildlife Service personnel were informed to take necessary action.

The family of the deceased was advised to seek compensation for the death.

Such cases have been rampant after hippos living in rivers attacked and killed locals in several parts of the country.