Kenya Red Cross personnel have retrieved the bodies of two teenage boys who drowned four days ago in a dam at Ngarendare village, Ontulili, Timau Ward, Buuri Constituency, Meru County.
The boys, aged 17 and 16, both from Karama in Tigania East, drowned after one entered the dam to swim and the other attempted to rescue him. Their bodies were recovered after days of unsuccessful efforts by residents and family members.
Boniface Mugambi, a relative, accused the Meru County emergency response team of neglect, saying the community’s pleas for help went unanswered.
“We called for help from the County Government’s divers and rescue department, but they ignored us. It’s shameful that divers from Laikipia County arrived here, yet our own county did nothing,” he said.
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The retrieval was eventually made possible through the Kenya Red Cross and other volunteers, bringing relief to devastated families and residents.
Area Senior Chief Geoffrey Mwangi confirmed the tragedy and warned locals against swimming in dams or rivers, noting that another drowning had occurred at the same dam just days earlier.
“This dam has become a serious danger. I urge everyone to stay away from dams and rivers for their own safety,” he said.
Residents have since called for the dam to be filled with stones to prevent future incidents. Pius Murithi, a neighbour, thanked the Red Cross for their intervention, adding, “These were young boys with their whole lives ahead of them. Parents must caution children against swimming in unsafe areas.”
By John Majau
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