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Kenya Red Cross mourns decorated volunteer who died during rescue mission in Nairobi
04th March, 2026 05:41 PM
Kenya Red Cross has mourned the death of its decorated rescue operations volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who died in the line of duty in Nairobi.
In a statement released by the organisation on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Kenya Red Cross stated that Wangila lost his life on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
“We mourn the loss of our dedicated Aqua Rescue volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who gave his life in the line of duty. For over 15 years, he served with courage and compassion, saving lives and mentoring others. Rest in peace, Samuel. Your legacy lives on,” the statement signed by Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris reads in part.
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The deceased was part of a rescue team that responded to a distress call in Highrise, where a 15-year-old boy had drowned.
“Samuel was responding to an ongoing aqua rescue operation following a distress call at Highrise along the Mbagathi River, where a young boy had tragically drowned,” added the statement.
KRC eulogises Samuel
Kenya Red Cross said the deceased served with courage and professionalism, responding to every call of duty with dedication and helped rescue many lives over the fifteen years that he served as an Aqua Rescue volunteer with the organisation.
He was among the most experienced rescue volunteers who conducted rescue operations across the country and received the Special Recognition Award at the Volunteer Awards in 2025.
“For over 15 years, Samuel served across the country with courage, professionalism and an extraordinary commitment to saving lives. He was among our most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers. In 2025, he received the Special Recognition Award at the Volunteer Awards for his work in aqua rescue nationally,” Kenya Red Cross eulogised.
Mentoring and training other volunteers
While serving with the organisation, Samuel trained other volunteers, equipping them with skills to respond effectively and save lives.
@KenyaRedCross
“Beyond emergency response, he was deeply committed to strengthening the capacity of the Society. He trained and mentored fellow volunteers in aqua rescue, equipping them with practical skills and confidence to respond effectively. We will remember him for building skilled rescue teams, mentoring others with patience and always answering the call to serve,” Kenya Red Cross stated.
“Today, we honour his bravery and service. Samuel gave his life while attempting to help others, a true embodiment of humanity and selflessness.”
