This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On Sunday evening, a tragic incident occurred in Tharaka-Nithi County, where a 20-year-old first-year student at Tharaka University College drowned in River Kathita while swimming with six colleagues.
According to Tharaka South Sub-County Police Commander Kiprop Rutto, the student, Moris Waswa, was in the company of his friends when the incident happened.
Commander Rutto confirmed that the students contacted the university's administration, which informed the police, who then rushed to the scene and retrieved the body.
"The body was retrieved from the deep water by police with the help of local divers and was taken to Chuka County Referral Hospital mortuary in Chuka town," Commander Rutto said.
Investigations into the incident have been launched, and the students who were with the victim have recorded statements.
Tharaka University College principal, Prof Peter Muriungi, expressed shock at the news and urged students to avoid risky areas.
Prof Muriungi also revealed that the university had contacted the victim's family and was deeply saddened by the loss of the jovial student who had reported just two weeks ago.
Local resident James Mutugi described the area as very deep and rocky, making it a hazardous place for swimming.
"The place is very deep and locals don't swim there because it's rocky and someone can be easily trapped in the rocks," Mr Mutugi said.
