Tragedy as 15-year-old girl drowns in a river in Kirinyaga

Grief has swept through Kimbimbi in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County, following the drowning of a 15-year-old girl at Gatitika Waterfalls on River Nyamindi.

Since Sunday evening, residents from Kimbimbi, Mathangauta, Ngucue, Gatitika, and nearby villages have been camping along the river, desperately searching for her body.

According to her father, Danson Njue, his daughter was at a picnic on Sunday when the incident occurred.

"My daughter was with her friend when she slipped and fell into the river," Njue said.

Benson Gachoki, an official at Gatitika Village, added that over 100 youths from Kirinyaga and neighboring counties often visit the falls to swim.

"Kirinyaga is known for its stunning waterfalls, and many come here every Sunday to see this natural attraction. This is the first incident at Gatitika Falls," he stated.

Relatives and residents are calling on the county government and national disaster management authorities to assist in retrieving the body.