Tragedy in Elgeyo Marakwet: Policeman Drowns While Crossing Swollen River
A somber mood has engulfed Kapsiliot village in Elgeyo Marakwet County after a police constable tragically drowned while attempting to cross a flooded wooden bridge.
The officer, identified as Constable Justine Kirui, was off duty and reportedly heading home after visiting a relative in the area. The incident occurred on the evening of April 22, and his body was discovered floating hours later in the swollen Moiben River.
According to authorities, Kirui, 48, is believed to have slipped and fallen headfirst into the river while crossing the old wooden bridge. The ongoing heavy rains in the region had caused the river to overflow its banks, making the bridge particularly dangerous to use.
Local residents spotted the body downstream and were able to retrieve it. Police who arrived at the scene confirmed the officer was attached to Miwani Police Station. Upon recovery, visible injuries were noted on the constable’s nose and head—likely caused by rocks beneath the bridge where he reportedly hit after falling.
His body has since been moved to a local mortuary for autopsy and further examination.
Elgeyo Marakwet police officials say investigations into the incident are ongoing, although preliminary reports point to accidental drowning.
This incident adds to a growing list of weather-related tragedies as the country grapples with relentless rainfall. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued continuous advisories warning of sustained heavy showers across several counties.
In Nairobi alone, at least six lives were lost due to flooding earlier this week, particularly in Mathare and Mukuru slums, where hundreds were also displaced.
Government and emergency response agencies are now urging the public to avoid attempting to cross flooded rivers and to stay alert during this rainy season.
“Our hearts go out to the family of the officer and others who have lost loved ones in similar incidents,” a local official said. “We urge everyone to stay safe and avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
As more rain is forecasted in the coming days, efforts are underway to provide emergency relief and reinforce disaster preparedness across vulnerable regions of the country.
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Tragedy in Elgeyo Marakwet: Policeman Drowns While Crossing Swollen River