This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
Seven police officers who drowned in Baringo County after their vehicle was swept away by heavy rains have been found.
The incident occurred on April 30, when the officers' vehicle was swept away by the Kagir River.
County Police Commander Robinson identified the seven officers of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit as Moses Iyadi, Fredrick Ouko, Victor Omollo, Samuel Nyakundi, Tanui Kipsang, Martin Naibei, and Noah Kipng'eno.
They were among 12 officers based in Chemoe, Baringo North, who were returning to their camp from a security briefing in Kabarnet.
Joseph Omboye, Andrew Menisa, King'ori Patrick, Cliff Nyakeniga, and Bernard Sigei survived the incident.
The search for the bodies was led by more than 50 security officers and residents, who worked tirelessly to locate the officers.
On Tuesday, County Police Commander Robinson announced that the search had been officially called off, following the discovery of the last body.
According to Robinson, the 32-year-old driver, Noah Kipng'eno, was in the police service for close to nine years and was transferred to Baringo two months ago from Turkana County.
His brother, Nickson Cheruiyot, expressed relief that the 'traumatising' search had ended, saying that the family had received the news via social media on May 1 and had travelled daily from Nakuru County to help with the search for the body.
Cheruiyot noted that the search had been 'traumatising and hectic' due to the tough terrain and the financial implications of the exercise.
County Commissioner Henry Wafula said that following the incident, they took precautionary measures to ensure no officer crossed a swollen river especially during the rainy season.
