Kenya Red Cross volunteer dies during rescue mission at Mbagathi River

The Kenya Red Cross Society has mourned the death of veteran aqua rescue volunteer Samuel Wangila, who lost his life while responding to an emergency along the Mbagathi River in Nairobi.

The humanitarian organisation said Wangila died on March 3, 2026, during an ongoing aqua rescue operation at Highrise area following a distress call in which a young boy had drowned.

The society described Wangila as one of its most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers, having served for more than 15 years in operations across the country.

“The Kenya Red Cross Society is deeply saddened by the passing of our dedicated Aqua Rescue volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who lost his life in the line of duty on 3 March 2026. Samuel was responding to an ongoing aqua rescue operation following a distress call at Highrise along the Mbagathi River, where a young boy had tragically drowned,” the statement read.

In 2025, Wangila received a Special Recognition Award at the Volunteer Awards in honour of his nationwide contribution to aqua rescue missions.

“For over 15 years, Samuel served across the country with courage, professionalism and an extraordinary commitment to saving lives. He was among our most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers. In 2025, he received the Special Recognition Award at the Volunteer Awards for his work in aqua rescue nationwide.”

Beyond emergency deployments, he was actively involved in strengthening the Kenya Red Cross’ response capacity by training and mentoring fellow volunteers in water rescue techniques.

The organisation credited him with building skilled rescue teams and equipping responders with practical lifesaving skills.

Colleagues remembered him as courageous, professional and always ready to answer the call to serve, regardless of the circumstances.

The Kenya Red Cross extended its condolences to his wife, family, friends and fellow volunteers, saying it stands in solidarity with them during the period of mourning.

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends and fellow volunteers during this profoundly difficult time. We stand with them in mourning a life lived in service to others. Rest in peace, Samuel. Your legacy lives on in every life you saved,” the Kenya Red Cross said.

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) was founded in 1965 under the Kenya Red Cross Society Act (Chapter 256 Laws of Kenya) and officially acknowledged by the Kenyan government as a voluntary aid society working alongside public authorities.

It holds the distinction of being the sole National Red Cross Society in Kenya.