Body of 28-year-old man who drowned in Gichugu retrieved after three-day search

According to Kirinyaga East Sub-County (Gichugu) Police Commander Johnson Wachira, the victim, identified as Kennedy Indathi, had been part of a group of more than 20 youths from Nairobi who were visiting the forest for the weekend. His body was retrieved on Tuesday night.

Wachira said local divers, police officers, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel, and the Kenya Red Cross had been searching for Indathi since Sunday after he was swept away while swimming in River Nyamindi inside the forest.

Red Cross coordinator for Kirinyaga and Embu, Martin Kagunda, who led the rescue team, said they faced significant challenges during the operation due to extremely cold water and the rocky terrain.

“Following a call from the Kenya Forest Service conservator at Kandandeni Forest Station about a drowning incident at Mlango Falls on River Nyamindi, the Aqua Team proceeded to the scene. Unfortunately, they were unable to retrieve the body the same day because of the cold water and sharp, rocky ground,” Kagunda said.

He added that the Mt Kenya Forest area remains a popular destination for young people from across the country who visit to enjoy the natural scenery and take photographs, especially on weekends and during holiday periods like December.

Police Commander Wachira urged visitors to exercise caution and follow safety directives issued by Kenya Forest Service officials, noting that this is not the first incident of its kind.

The body has been moved to the mortuary awaiting a postmortem as the victim’s relatives, who arrived from Nairobi on Sunday, continue to make arrangements.