This archive report was first published on 4 June 2020.
On May 22, 42-year-old EasternRoyford Mugambi, who is said to be of unsound mind, disappeared, leaving his family and community in a state of panic. Thirteen days later, on Wednesday evening, he was miraculously rescued from a 60-foot pit in Gatituni village, Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County.
According to his elder brother, Henry Gitonga, the family had been searching for Mugambi in various places, including the Chuka County Referral Hospital mortuary, and had even reported his disappearance to the local administration and Chuka Police Station. However, they had lost hope after the search became unsuccessful.
It was a neighbor, John Mwenda, who discovered Mugambi in the pit. Mwenda, who was working near the pit, heard someone calling and followed the direction of the voice, leading him to the pit where he found Mugambi. He called Mugambi's relatives and villagers, who helped him out using a ladder and a rope.
After being rescued, Mugambi was taken to a doctor, who advised that he be given glucose and milk to gain strength before being introduced to porridge and soft food. Mugambi looked frail after going hungry for several days in the dark pit, with his trouser and top dusty and his eyes frightened and confused.
Residents of Gatituni village were left in disbelief after seeing a man come out of a 60-foot pit alive. The villagers who pulled him out suspected that he may have been eating soil and drinking water in the pit for survival.
