Bomet: Dead baby elephant found floating in river

Residents of Sugutek area thronged the river to have a glimpse of the lifeless body of the baby elephant – a rare scene in the neighbourhood.

Reports indicate that the little jumbo may have been washed down stream all the way from Nakuru county.

According to the residents, the little jumbo was found dead in what is suspected to be a case of drowning.

The animal seemed to have taken in a lot of water.

“The animal was discovered by herders who were grazing their cattle next to the swollen river,” said Menet area Chief Cosmas Towett.

The incident was confirmed by the Bomet County police commandant Mr. Mathews Mangira.

“Our team has dispatched police to the area to provide security until the Kenya Wildlife Service officers arrive from Kericho,” said Mangira.

"We don't really know if the elephant drowned, or if it was killed and its body dumped in the waters. That is for KWS to investigate and make a communication,” added Mangira.

The rains have caused widespread destruction across the country, with most rivers breaking their banks.