Bodies of two children recovered in swollen Molo River

Divers search for bodies of two minors aged ten and seven in River Molo On December 18, 2023. [Kennedy Gachuhi, Standard]

Bodies of two missing children have been recovered from Molo River.

Local divers retrieved one of the bodies last weekend as divers from the Nakuru County Disaster Response team joined in the search.

"Clothes belonging to the two children were found at the river bank by residents, leading to a search operation. Unfortunately, they were found dead," said Rongai Sub County Police Commander Wilberforce Sicharani.

Sally Njeri, a diver, said the recovery efforts took longer due to the high water levels.

"The bodies were found one hundred metres apart. The first one had been washed around 300 metres away from where they were swimming. We found the second body at the edge of the river stuck next to a rock," said Njeri.

Stephen Rotich, an elder, called on the county and national government to collaborate in enhancing disaster preparedness and response in the villages.

"The government should ensure there are trained divers who can respond to incidents like this one safely and professionally," he said.

Area Ward Rep Hellen Chemutai said the three days have been the hardest for the family. "Their disappearance literally brought everything to a standstill for the family and the community. The uncertainty on whether they were in the waters or not was agonising," she said.

"The family may now have a form of closure on this matter. The funeral arrangements can be made and allow the family to start walking the path of healing from this unexpected loss."

The County Disaster Management Chief Officer Joyce Ncece asked Kenyans to be cautiouse during the ongoing rainy season.

"Most rivers have water levels higher than normal, making them risky."