The body of an unidentified man was discovered on Thursday evening in the Nyamindi River at Gathigiriri Sub-location, Kirinyaga County.

According to witnesses, the body was spotted by women fetching water at around 6:50 p.m.

“We were alerted by two boys who were herding livestock home after grazing. We immediately raised an alarm, and villagers rushed to the scene,” said one resident.

Gathigiriri Assistant Chief Samuel Waithaka confirmed the incident, noting that the body had visible injuries. However, he said the injuries might have been caused by stones in the river.

“As police continue with investigations, we are treating the matter as a case of drowning,” Waithaka stated.

Residents of Kimbimbi, Matandara, Mahigaini, Gathigiriri, and nearby villages have expressed concern over the rising water levels in the Nyamindi River following heavy rains in the Mt. Kenya forest region.

“We suspect the man may have drowned at Karoti area in Kimbimbi and was carried downstream for over 10 kilometers due to the river’s strong currents and depth,” another resident said.

Police have since taken the body to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital mortuary pending identification and postmortem.