after the decomposed body of a 36 year old man was retrieved from Kipkaren river. Confirming the incident to the media, Lumakanda Officer CommandingStation (OCS), Mr. William Oyugi said the deceased identified as Kirwa Lateba, who was mentally challenged, had been reported missing one week ago. “According to eye witnesses, the deceased allegedly jumped into the river before he drowned early last week,” said Oyugi.
Prior to the retrieval, Kenya Red Cross trained divers attached to Nucleus Children Trust, a community based organisation, in conjunction with locals had pitched tent along the river in search of the missing body. The CBO’s Director, Mr. John Kariuki led the operation. He thanked police officers at Lumakanda station and area residents for according necessary assistance to the team.
Oyugi told West Media the body was moved to the deceased’s home in Luandeti location where it was immediately buried. “The family didn’t have issues over the body’s identity nor the cause of death that could warrant legal address,” added Oyugi.
He cautioned locals, especially those living close to the river banks, against engaging in risky activities such as grazing animals, drawing water, bathing and washing clothes on the banks
of the river. According to the official, the river has claimed more than 10 lives so far this year.
