A 13-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being attacked by a crocodile on Friday at the Kanyonga area in Kibwezi, Makueni County.
The incident occurred along the banks of River Athi, where the boy had gone to fetch water a daily chore for many residents in the region due to limited access to clean, piped water.
According to eyewitnesses, the crocodile emerged from the river and swiftly dragged the boy into the water before anyone could intervene.
Alarmed residents nearby rushed to the scene and made frantic attempts to rescue him and recover his body, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Local authorities were notified, and a search operation was launched in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers to locate the crocodile and retrieve the boy’s remains. However, as of the latest updates, the body has not yet been recovered.
The incident has sparked fear and outrage among the residents, who are now calling on the government to take urgent action to address the increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict along the River Athi.
Many have urged KWS to relocate crocodiles in the area and implement safety measures, such as fencing or designated water access points, to prevent future tragedies.
Community leaders have also emphasized the need for long-term solutions, including improved access to clean water to reduce dependency on the river, especially for children.
Local officials have promised to step in and ensure that both the family and the wider community receive support in the wake of the tragedy.
