Birthday celebration turns tragic as young man drowns in Naivasha Spa

The victim, identified as Dennis Gitonga, had travelled from Nairobi with friends to celebrate his birthday at KenGen’s geothermal spa when the incident occurred.

He was rushed to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Naivasha Sub-County Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Isaac Kiama confirmed the drowning, adding that investigations have been launched.

“We have opened an inquest file and recorded statements from KenGen officials as well as some of the friends who were present at the spa,” he said.

The family has since been informed, with authorities noting that the matter will proceed through a court inquiry as part of the investigations.

Witnesses recounted the events leading to the tragedy.

Simon Kuria, who was at the spa at the time, said the group of friends had been swimming when Gitonga was found unconscious hours later.

“His friends immediately began resuscitation efforts before medical staff from KenGen joined in. He was later transferred to hospital using the company’s ambulance,” Kuria explained.

A post-mortem conducted on Gitonga’s body confirmed that he had fallen unconscious in the pool and swallowed a significant amount of water.

His aunt, Margaret Mwaura, said the family was devastated by the loss, describing Gitonga as a promising young man whose life was cut short.

Gitonga’s body has since been transferred to a private mortuary in Nairobi as preparations for his burial in Kirinyaga County continue.