Body of missing three-year-old found in Molo River
Molo river where a three year old is suspected to have fallen into.
After weeks of searching, the body of three-year-old Calvin Kipkurui has been found in the Molo River.
According to Senior Assistant Chief Lengenet location, Moses Chepkwony, who together with the area police who led the search mission, the body was found 1 kilometre away from their home in Visoi location in Visoi ward.
"The search, which started on August 22 and ended on the 28, involved a thorough pursuit of a 10-15 km stretch downstream to ensure that we had covered the ground and found him. After seven days of relentless searching, Calvin's body was finally found one kilometre away from their home," Mr Chepkwony says.
After his body was found, Chepkwony says he contacted the OCS in the area, who came to recover the remains.
Calvin, the second born in a family of three, was taken to 'Kwa Jack', now the Annex Hospital Nakuru Farewell Home, and buried at his parents' home in Visoi.
As the rains return for a second season across the country, Mr Chepkwony is urging people living along the river to be careful.
"Parents should warn their children not to play near the water, especially during this season. Children are naturally curious and tend to do mischievous things without parental guidance," says the government official.
He warns parents and guardians against sending their children to fetch water from the river, and urges them to prioritise their safety and find safer alternatives for water collection.
"I strongly advise residents not to cross the river during this rainy season when the water level rises. Instead, go around and use the bridges, even if they are far away. It's better to take the longer route to cross safely on a bridge than to try to cross in places where there are submerged logs, especially if you're not a good swimmer. Your safety is worth the extra time and effort," he notes.
The Molo River in Rongai Sub-county has become notorious for drowning incidents, causing residents to speak of it with a mixture of fear and grief, as its waters have claimed several lives in recent years.
In 2022, the river claimed two more lives as people attempted to cross its treacherous waters.
In 2023, two children believed to have been playing by the river fell victim to its unpredictable waters in the Legetio area.