By Faith Mwende
Garissa police have recovered the body of Richard Kimani, a middle-aged jua kali artisan who drowned while swimming in River Tana.
Kimani, who had been resting by the riverbank with a friend, entered the water to escape the scorching heat but disappeared moments later.
Garissa Township Sub County Police Commander Samuel Boit confirmed that a joint rescue team, including the Kenya Red Cross, local divers, and police, retrieved his body from the riverbed.
“After receiving the reports of drowning, we mounted a team comprising the Kenya Redcross, local divers and the police and they started looking for the body along river Tana. They were able to retrieve the body which was said to be stuck beneath the bed of the river,” Boit said.
He also warned residents against swimming in the river, noting that “the water levels were increasing due to the ongoing rains in upstream counties.”
Village elder Alex Njeru urged the community to avoid the river, highlighting the dangers of strong currents and potential wildlife threats.
“The water is surging in from Mount Kenya, and we urge residents to keep off the river this rainy season,” Njeru said.
The body has been taken to Garissa mortuary for preservation and an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
