Drowning illustration.
Police are investigating two separate drowning incidents that occurred in Kilifi and Nyandarua Counties on January 8, 2026.
In Kilifi County, 23-year-old Wright Mbaru Sifa drowned in the Indian Ocean at Vidazini Beach.
According to police, he was swimming with his cousins when he ventured into deeper waters and drowned.
A local county rescue team retrieved his body several hours later.
The body was taken to a mortuary pending an autopsy and other procedures.
In Nyandarua County, 48-year-old John Kimani Kangethe drowned in the Karoroha River in Kinangop.
Police said the incident occurred as he was crossing the river using a wooden footbridge and slipped into the water.
His body, which sustained a head injury, was recovered and taken to a mortuary pending an autopsy.
Residents have since called for safer footbridge infrastructure, citing risks when crossing, especially at night.
Separately, 22 passengers were rescued after their boat capsized near Faza Island in Lamu County.
Police reported that the group was travelling from Kizingitini to Ndua Island when strong tides caused the vessel to overturn shortly after leaving Faza Jetty.
All passengers were safely recovered, though their belongings were swept away by the water, according to witnesses and police.
Authorities note that such incidents are common in coastal areas during periods of strong tides.
Both national and county governments have deployed rescue teams to enhance safety for residents and travelers.