A quiet Sunday evening, May 17, turned tragic in the Kwa Ng’ang’a area of Matungulu Sub-county, Machakos, when a 16-year-old boy from Katulye Secondary School drowned in Kwa Mwiitu dam.
Peter Nzyuko, a village elder spoke about the incident stating that the 6pm incident took place during heavy rains adding that the boy and his friend were out grazing livestock when they both accidentally fell into the dam.
While his friend managed to swim to safety and call for help, the 16-year-old was not so fortunate. Despite the locals’ swift response, they were unable to save him.
He noted that efforts to retrieve the boy’s body were hindered by the falling darkness, forcing the operation to continue the next day.
READ ALSO:
Kirinyaga family seeks justice after Form 4 leaver fatally shot by police
“It is heartbreaking to lose such a young life. We tried our best to save him, but it was too late. He struggled to swim but the water kept pulling him,” he said.
The community is devastated by the loss and is now demanding action from the county government. Residents are calling for all dams in the area to be fenced off to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of their children and livestock.
“We need the county government to fence off these dams. Our children and livestock are at constant risk. This tragedy could have been avoided,” said a local.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in unsecured water bodies and the urgent need for preventive measures.
Cases of drowning have increased in Machakos due to heavy rains witnessed for months.
By Agnes Orango
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
