Woman recounts last phone call with husband swept away by swollen Mara river

According to reports, Dennis Mwangi, a truck driver, was swept away last week while attempting to navigate the narrow bridge on the Mara River.

His family, led by his wife, travelled all the way to Narok after learning of Mwangi's accident.

His wife, Pamela, claims she spoke with him around 5 p.m. on Thursday and he promised to call after crossing the treacherous river, but he never did.

Soon after, his phone went dead.

"Tuliongea na yeye Thursday, around 5pm akaniambia anaenda Masai Mara na kunanyesha sana, ako karibu kuvuka hiyo mto ya Maasai Mara, then atanipigia," Pamela told Citizen.Digital. 

"Kutoka hapo 5pm hakunipigia tena, simu yake ikakuwa mteja hadi wa leo," 

According to a witness, Mr. Mwangi attempted to cross the swollen Mara river but misjudged the width of the bridge.

"Juzi kuna lori ilikuja hapa, maji ilikuwa mingi kwa daraja, dereva hakuwa sure kwa vile hii daraja ni nyembamba,"  a witness told Citizen.Digital 

"Vile maji ni mingi dereva hakuona daraja vizuri akatumbukia kwa mo," 

It is not uncommon for motorists to be swept away while attempting to cross the Mara River.

Residents claim that the only available bridge is too narrow, and that crossing it is hampered seasonally by heavy rains.

"Hii accient haingekuwa kama hii daraja ingekuwa imetengenezwa, kama ata ukiangalia haina support huku kando, gari ikiteleza inaingia tu kwa maji," Pamela Mwangi added.