Laikipia: The Kenya Red Cross Society team has successfully recovered the body of a 40-year-old man who tragically drowned in Lemunga Dam, located in Laikipia County. The incident occurred on Monday while the man was engaged in fishing activities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the drowning of Mbugua Kiarie has left the residents of Lemunga village in shock. Kiarie, a seasoned fisherman, was accompanied by his 13-year-old son at the time of the incident on November 10, 2025. As Kiarie attempted to set up fishing nets, he unexpectedly sank into the water. His son, witnessing the tragedy, rushed to their nearby home to alert others. However, those who came to assist were unable to intervene as none possessed the skills to dive into the dam.
Efforts by private divers to retrieve the body initially proved challenging due to hazardous tree stumps submerged in the dam. One of the divers, Isaac Nyambuto, had to abandon the mission after sustaining injuries from the underwater obstacles.
Jeremiah Ndung’u, a local resident, voiced his frustration regarding the Laikipia County government’s allocation of funds, which were supposedly set aside for disaster mitigation. He criticized the lack of professional divers in the county, despite significant financial resources being available since the advent of devolution. Ndung’u remarked on the absence of tangible improvements in disaster response capabilities.
Village elder Simon Ngachaku recalled a past visit by Governor Joshua Irungu, during which residents provided suggestions for enhancing the dam’s safety. The dam serves as a crucial resource for the community, supplying fish and water for irrigation and domestic use. Ngachaku expressed disappointment, noting that their recommendations, including the removal of tree stumps, were seemingly ignored.
Kelvin Mundoi, a private diver from Gatundia village, appealed to the County government to support and employ local divers, ensuring prompt response in similar emergencies.
Following the recovery, the body was transported to the Nyahururu County hospital mortuary by police authorities.
