Middle-aged Man Swept Away by Flooded Nzeau River in Ikanga/Kyatune Ward
A middle-aged man has been swept away by the raging waters of Nzeau River in Ithumula Village, Ikanga/Kyatune Ward, Kitui South constituency in a tragic incident that occurred on Monday March 23, 2026 in the morning.
The man, identified as Mr. Luka Mutua, a resident of Muthingitho Village, is reported to have attempted crossing the river at approximately 9:30 a.m., about 200 metres upstream of Ikanga Drift. At the time, the river had swelled to dangerously high levels following ongoing heavy rains, making crossing extremely hazardous.
Eyewitnesses say Luka Mutua was seen struggling to stay afloat as strong currents overwhelmed him shortly after entering the river. His cries for help were heard by several people who had gathered on both sides of the drift, but the speed and force of the water made any rescue attempt impossible. He was swept downstream and disappeared from sight within minutes.
Following the incident, a frantic search was launched by his brother, David Mutua, together with family members and concerned local residents, along the river downstream. Despite their efforts to trace him downstream, the efforts had not yielded any results by the time of this publication.
The incident has left the local community in shock and renewed concerns over the dangers posed by flooded rivers during the rainy season. Residents have been urged to avoid crossing rivers when water levels are high and to prioritize their safety.
Members of the public who may come across any information or sighting related to the missing man are urged to report immediately to the nearest authorities or local administration. The incident stands as a painful reminder of the risks associated with rising water levels and the need for heightened vigilance during this period.
The incident comes just days after a similar tragedy in which a middle-aged bodaboda rider from Kabati in Kitui West was swept away by the flooded Ithekethe River. The rider drowned while attempting to cross the river on his way home from Kabati town to Kitamwiki in Mutonguni Ward.
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