Police in Meru retrieved the body of a 28-year-old woman who drowned while trying to rescue her baby at Rwanjange village on Wednesday evening November 27, 2024.
According to an eyewitness, the mother was carrying her baby while fetching water before the minor accidentally slipped off her back into the flooded swamp.
She then jumped into the flooded swamp to save her child but instead, she was swept away.
Confirming the tragic ordeal, Nyaki East sub-county police commander Njoroge Mbugua said the body of the woman was recovered at around 6.00 pm after a rescue team from the police and members of the public launched a search of the two.
“It’s unfortunate the woman lost her life while trying to rescue her child but by good luck, the baby was saved alive and rushed to Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital where she is undergoing treatment,” the police boss said.
After successfully retrieving the body and rushing the child to the hospital, Mbugua warned locals to be careful during this rainy season and avoid flooded rivers and dangerous areas to curb more incidences of such related deaths.
“Heavy rains are continuing to be witnessed in this region. My plea is to all people to remain alert and avoid walking in flooded areas,” he added.
Residents who spoke to the media claimed that the swamp has remained a death trap for many years, calling on the government to fence the area to avoid more tragedies.
“This swamp has claimed many lives. People come to fetch water every year and even children play around because it is near a road. What we are telling the government is to move with speed and ensure this place is secured before it takes more lives,” John Murithi, one of the residents said.
