Five-year-old boy drowns in unfinished irrigation site in Kirinyaga

The incident occurred near ACK Kandongu Church, where Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was holding a public baraza. Residents at the meeting had raised concerns over the stalled irrigation project.

Mwea West Sub-County Police Commander Millicent Ngugi said the child was playing with two other children near the water when the accident happened.

“There were three children playing near the pond when the boy slipped into the water. The other two children were unable to rescue him. By the time residents responded after an alarm was raised, the child had already died,” Ngugi said.

The boy’s body was later moved from Kandongu Dispensary to the mortuary as grieving family members and residents gathered at the facility.

Some residents expressed concern over the safety of the unfinished irrigation furrows linked to the Thiba Dam project, saying they pose a danger to the community.

Duncan Maina, a resident, called on the government to address delays in completing the project.

“We want the authorities to explain the status of the construction works and ensure the area is made safe for residents,” he said.

Another resident and farmer, identified as Mutugi, said delays in completing the irrigation infrastructure had affected farming activities in Mwea West.

“We were expecting improved water access for rice farming, but the project has not benefited farmers as anticipated,” he said.

Waiguru later conveyed her condolences to the family following the child’s death.