Two elderly men drown while crossing swollen river in Kitui

Two elderly men died after drowning while attempting to cross River Kalundu on a motorcycle in Katulani Sub-County, Kitui County, witnesses and police said.

The incident was reported on April 28, 2026 at around 8:53am, police said.

According to the police, the two men were riding on a motorcycle when they attempted to cross the swollen river at Mwilini village but were overwhelmed by the water and swept away.

A search operation involving local residents was immediately mounted, leading to the recovery of the two bodies about 300 metres downstream.

The deceased were identified as Mutua Mulatya, aged approximately 72 years, and Wambua Ndava, aged about 65 years.

The motorcycle they were riding on had not been recovered by the time of the report.

The bodies were moved to the Kitui County Referral Hospital mortuary, where they are awaiting postmortem examination as investigations continue.

Elsewhere, the body of a 46-year-old man who had been reported missing was retrieved from River Sabwani in Trans Nzoia East Sub-County.

The incident was reported on April 28, 2026 after a body was spotted floating in the river at Mosombor village.

Police officers, with the help of members of the public, recovered the partly decomposed body from the river.

The remains were positively identified by relatives as those of Nathan Kimeli, who had been reported missing on April 25, 2026.

According to preliminary information, the deceased was last seen on April 24, 2026 at around 6:00pm while crossing a temporary bridge connecting Machungwa and Mosombor villages. It is believed he may have fallen into the river due to the poor condition of the bridge.

The body was moved to Kitale County Hospital mortuary for preservation pending postmortem examination.

Police have launched further investigations into the incident, even as concerns are raised over the safety of the temporary bridge used by residents in the area.

In another incident, a body was spotted floating in a river near Sagana Falls bridge in Nyeri County.

Police officers responded to the scene and confirmed the presence of the body lodged under the bridge.

The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unknown as investigations continue, police said as they moved the body to the mortuary.

Meanwhile, police said they were investigating five separate drowning incidents reported in Makueni, Taita Taveta, Elgeyo Marakwet, Siaya, Bungoma and Uasin Gishu counties.

The bodies were moved to the mortuaries pending autopsies. Police said drowning incidents are among the leading causes of death in the country, a situation linked to flooding.

The Meteorological Department has warned of more rains in the coming days which may worsen the situation.

The government has been cautioning Kenyans against crossing swollen rivers. Those living near rivers have also been urged to move to higher ground for their safety.

The most threatened areas include Tana River and areas near Lake Victoria.