Man, 42, drowns in borehole during repair work in Homa Bay

A 42-year-old man died after drowning in a borehole during a repair operation in Homa Bay county.

The incident occurred on the evening of March 23 in Ongaro Village, North Kanyikela Location, within Ndhiwa subcounty, police said.

According to the police, the deceased, identified as Paul Onunga, had been contracted alongside two others to drain water from a borehole in preparation for repairs.

During the process, Onunga reportedly drowned inside the borehole.

Efforts by his colleagues to rescue him were unsuccessful. The body was later retrieved by members of the public with assistance from police officers, before the scene was processed.

The remains were moved to Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital mortuary for preservation, pending postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.

Authorities have urged residents undertaking similar manual or confined-space work to observe safety precautions to prevent such incidents.

Such accidents have been reported in the region and are pending under probe.

Elsewhere, a 75-year-old man died after reportedly suffering a seizure while bathing in a stream in Kilifi county.

The incident occurred on March 23 in Kakumi Stream, Nyore Village, Mnyenzeni sublocation, Tsangatsini location.

Gumbao Mramba's body was found floating face down, by local authorities after family members raised the alarm.

He had reportedly gone to take a bath when he experienced a seizure, which led to drowning.

Family members confirmed that the man had a history of epilepsy, diabetes and hypertension.

The body was preserved for further examination to confirm the cause of death.

Authorities have advised residents with medical conditions to exercise caution near water sources, especially during hot or strenuous conditions.

And a 36-year-old man is feared dead after reportedly drowning in River Gucha in Nyamira county.

The incident occurred on the evening of March 23 after Evans Oagare, who was mentally challenged, allegedly threw himself into the river and disappeared.

It adds to a growing list of tragedies linked to swollen rivers across the country following heavy rains, which have significantly raised water levels and increased the risk of drowning and flash floods.

Authorities have urged residents living near rivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing into or near fast-flowing waters.