Residents of Kutus in Kirinyaga County and students of Kirinyaga University spent the night at River Thiba Falls searching for a first-year university student who reportedly drowned while swimming on Sunday afternoon.
Police officers from Kutus Police Station, local administrators and community divers joined the search operation, which continued until 7 pm on Monday, with efforts to retrieve the missing student proving difficult due to the river’s strong currents and dangerous underwater conditions.
Local divers led by Maulid Asman said the depth of Kutus Falls, coupled with submerged tree roots and powerful currents, had made the operation particularly risky.
“The current is very strong, and there are places where you can sink and there are a lot of tree roots inside that can even tie you. We are also fearing death,” Asman said.
According to fellow students, the missing student joined Kirinyaga University in September and was in his first year of study.
“He has not stayed for long, he came here in September, it is very sad,” one student said.
Security officers at the scene said the student was from Lodwar and that his relatives had been informed of the incident.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the student had been swimming with a friend when the incident occurred. One security officer said the student reportedly got into difficulty while attempting to help his friend.
“They were swimming with his friend but as he tried to help him, he could not,” the officer said.
The incident has renewed concerns among Kutus residents over the safety of River Thiba Falls, which attracts visitors from within and outside Kirinyaga County.
Residents said the incident was not the first of its kind at the site and called for authorities to install warning signs alerting visitors to the dangers of swimming in the river.
“This is one of the beauties of Kirinyaga County, where people from outside the county come to see and swim,” said Joseph Wachira, a Kutus resident.
However, residents argued that the scenic attraction needed stronger safety measures to prevent further tragedies, particularly among young people who visit the falls for recreation.
Community members and students said they would remain at the river as they awaited the arrival of the student’s parents and continued hoping for the recovery of his body.
“We are hoping it will come out after three days as it happens in this river,” said Peter Munene.
The search remained a major concern for the university community and residents as they called for assistance in retrieving the missing student.
The incident has also highlighted the need for increased public awareness about the dangers posed by deep waters, strong currents and submerged obstacles at popular swimming spots.
