Two children drown in a Tharaka Nithi river

Two young children, aged three, lost their lives in River Gathita located in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County. The children, who belonged to different families, were reported missing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after they failed to return home. Their parents and guardians began a search for them, ultimately discovering their bodies in the river.

Police arrived at the scene and recovered the bodies. Initial investigations suggested the children may have ventured into the river to swim before drowning. The bodies showed no visible injuries, though water was noted coming from their noses and mouths. The bodies were transported to Marimanti Level 4 Hospital mortuary for preservation prior to post-mortem examinations. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic drowning.

In a separate incident, a 23-year-old herdsman, Silas Ndunde, is believed to have drowned in a farm dam in Kirima Sub-Location, Lunda Village, Nyandarua County. Ndunde, who worked at Mainyaki Farm, was last seen around the dam around 1:30pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after taking his lunch break. His colleagues initiated a search for him but were unable to locate him.

Upon the arrival of police at the scene, they discovered several items that are believed to be Ndunde's belongings, including a pair of black gumboots, grey socks, a smartphone still playing music, and a herding stick. The farm dam measures approximately 36 metres by 40 metres and is about four metres deep, with water levels reaching around 3.5 metres at the time of Ndunde's disappearance.

The search for his body continues as of Wednesday evening, with investigators still present at the location.