NYS serviceman drowns in Yatta
A 22-year-old National Youth Service (NYS) serviceman died after drowning in a dam in Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County.
The incident was reported on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
The serviceman, identified as Johnstone Mutuku, was bathing in the dam with fellow servicemen at around 2 pm when he was reported to have slipped and drowned.
Police officers responded to the scene and confirmed the incident.
The scene was photographed and documented as part of the investigation.
The body was recovered with slight injuries on the right side of the forehead and blood oozing from the nose. It was transferred to Mbaku Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Police have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drowning, with preliminary findings indicating it is believed to have been an accidental incident.
Meanwhile, a search operation was ongoing on Thuesday for the body of a 29-year-old man who drowned while swimming in the Sagana River in Mathira West Sub-County, Nyeri County.
The incident was reported on Tuesday evening after the man was reported to have disappeared beneath the water while swimming with two colleagues.
Police officers visited the scene and found the deceased's clothes on the riverbank.
According to preliminary police investigations, David Njuguna Mwangi, 29, together with Gabriel Wachira Njeru and Denis Ndung'u Wanjiru, had been working at a nearby farm before deciding to cool off by swimming in the river.
While in the water, David reportedly experienced difficulty and drowned.
The Karatina Fire and Disaster Management team responded to the scene but was unable to retrieve the body because of the river's depth and difficult conditions.
The rescue operation was suspended after nightfall, with divers expected to join the search when operations resume.
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a separate incident, police in Kitui County arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the suspected murder of his sister-in-law following what investigators believe was a domestic dispute in Lower Yatta Sub-County.
The incident was reported by the Assistant Chief of Masaani Sub-location, who told police the man allegedly assaulted his sister-in-law, Janet Kimanzi, 26, with a handle-less spade.
The woman sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kitui County Referral Level V Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers responded to the scene and arrested the suspect. They also recovered a handle-less spade, which investigators believe may have been used during the incident, and retained it as an exhibit.
The body was moved to the Kitui County Referral Level V Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Police said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue ahead of his expected arraignment in court. The motive for the fatal incident has not yet been established.
