KMTC student drowns while swimming at Chania Falls

A student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Meru Campus drowned while swimming at Chania Falls in Nyeri Central Sub-County.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, when the student, identified as John Musau Kamau, was on a nature walk with friends along the Chania River.

According to police, the group had reached Chania Falls when Kamau stripped and dived into the river to swim.

However, he was overwhelmed by the strong water and drowned.

Police officers visited the scene after the incident was reported at about 5.05pm.

The victim is reportedly attached to Outspan Hospital in Nyeri and is a student in the Engineering Department at KMTC Meru Campus.

Efforts to recover his body were hampered by darkness and difficult conditions at the falls.

Police said local divers were scheduled to begin a search and recovery operation on Saturday, August 29.

The incident comes amid renewed concerns over the dangers posed by swimming in rivers and waterfalls, particularly during periods of strong water currents.

Meanwhile, a 76-year-old man was found murdered in Mukamenyi village, Buguta Sub-location, Voi, Taita Taveta County.

The body of Ngoa Ndoro Ngoa, was discovered on Friday night, August 28, 2026, with deep cuts to his head and neck.

Police officers who responded established that the elderly man had been killed in unclear circumstances.

The scene was visited and documented by the officers as investigations into the killing commenced.

The motive of the attack had not been established, and police were yet to identify or arrest any suspect in connection with the murder.

The deceased’s body was moved to the Moi Referral Hospital mortuary in Voi pending a postmortem examination.

Police said investigations were ongoing, with further details expected as detectives pursue leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.