A 23-year-old man drowned while attempting to prove to his best friend that he could swim in the Rupingazi River at Gicoya Village in Ngerwe area, Embu North Sub-County.
Dennis Mutugi set out from his home, some three kilometers away, when he told his friend, Elias Njeru, that he is a good swimmer, according to Assistant Chief Ngerwe.
Mutugi stripped off his clothes and dove into the river to prove his claims.
The administrator said his friend was waiting for Mutugi to surface on the water when, after a few minutes, he started screaming and calling for help.
Officers found the victim’s clothes and mud boots, which he had removed before diving into the water, according to the assistant chief.
He also cautioned visitors to the area, particularly men and boys, to be cautious and avoid swimming in the pond because it is known to be a killer.
“We condole with the family of the deceased as we warn residents to be careful not to risk swimming in the river since the area section has been dangerous as many bodies have been retrieved from that area.” said the assistant chief.
He also advised residents to exercise caution when crossing swollen rivers.
