Kitui South incoming Member of Parliament Hon. Gladys Mami Kivoto on Wednesday May 20, 2026 joined residents of Ilengi, Mukameni, Monguni and Muambani villages in Athi Ward in a difficult and emotional search operation for two people who were attacked and killed by a crocodile at River Athi.

The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, when a middle-aged woman identified as Catherine Wambua was fetching water from River Athi at around 4pm when she was suddenly attacked by a crocodile.

According to eyewitnesses, a man from the opposite side of the river witnessed the horrifying incident and courageously rushed into the water in an attempt to rescue the woman. Unfortunately, he too was attacked and killed by the crocodile during the rescue attempt.

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Residents immediately launched a search mission for the two bodies on Tuesday evening before the exercise was temporarily halted due to darkness and fears of further attacks from crocodiles and hippos, which are common along the river during the night hours.

On Wednesday, Hon. Gladys Mami Kivoto joined hundreds of residents during the second day of the search operation, standing in solidarity with the affected families and the local rescue teams. The exercise continued late into the night before being called off unsuccessfully at around 9pm due to poor visibility and safety concerns.

Speaking during the search exercise, Hon. Gladys Kivoto expressed concern over the increasing cases of residents being attacked and killed by crocodiles and hippos at River Athi, saying urgent measures must be taken to protect lives.

She noted that many residents continue to risk their lives daily while fetching water from the dangerous river due to lack of safer and accessible water sources in the area.

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Hon. Mami Kivoto pledged to push for a long-term solution by ensuring water is pumped directly from River Athi to safer collection points away from the riverbanks to minimize human-wildlife conflict and prevent further loss of lives. “This tragedy is painful and heartbreaking. No family should lose their loved ones in such a manner while simply trying to access water. Something must be done urgently to protect our people,” she said.

Hon. Mami Kivoto also conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the family of Catherine Wambua and extended financial support to the bereaved family and the rescue team involved in the search operation as a way of motivating and supporting them during the difficult exercise.

By the time of publication, the body of Catherine Wambua had been recovered from the river this morning, while the body of the man who attempted to rescue her is still missing, with search operations are underway.

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