Ndarugu River: From community lifeline to becoming a crime scene

The Ndarugu River was once celebrated by locals as a vital source of water and recreation. However, in recent years it has earned a darker reputation, frequently making headlines for the tragedies linked to it rather than its benefits.

On September 29, the body of two-year-old Prince Nathan, who had been missing for three weeks, was found in the river. This is the most recent in a series of disturbing incidents that have left the community feeling unsettled.

Reports of murders, drownings and mysterious disappearances have become alarmingly common over the past year, painting the river as an active crime scene.

For some, however, the river evokes fond memories. Sylvester Maina, for example, recalls a time when Ndarugu was a safe place for children.

“Back in the early '90s, we would swim in that river. Those were fun times,” he says, smiling at the memory.

However, he no longer allows his own children near it.

"The river is polluted and tainted by the many deaths. I fear my children could be the next to go missing," he says.

Sospeter Njuguna another Njoro resident described the situation as 'disheartening', adding that a lack of justice only deepens the pain.

"We witnessed the case of Prince Nathan, and before that, many others. Yet, to date, no arrests or prosecutions have been made. This sends a dangerous message, that criminals can get away with it,” he says.

"The Ndarugu River was once a source of pride. Now it feels like a natural disaster. The victims’ families deserve justice," he says.

For residents like Wangari Ng’ang’a, even simple tasks such as washing clothes by the riverside are now fraught with fear.

“People are avoiding the river; some even believe it’s cursed. I can’t imagine washing there and suddenly coming across a dead body that image would haunt me forever,” she lamented.

The community agrees that urgent action is needed to restore the safety and dignity of the Ndarugu River. Until then, what was once a symbol of life and leisure remains clouded by fear and loss.