Mikuyu Residents in Machakos pulling out of Water the body of a 70 year Old man who drowned in River Sakini. Photo by Virginia Siebella 
By Virginia Siebella
A 70-year-old man has lost his life after being swept away by floods in Vota area, Machakos Sub-county, on the night of Wednesday going into Thursday.
According to his employer, Mutiso Nzesi, the deceased, identified as Titus Muthoka, was attempting to cross the Sakini River during a heavy downpour when the river’s water levels rose sharply, creating a strong current that carried him away.
Following his disappearance, efforts to trace him began immediately, including attempts to reach him by phone, which went unanswered. Eventually, members of the community launched a joint search, and his body was later discovered floating in the Sakini River.
Mikuyu area Assistant Chief, Peter Ngovu, confirmed the incident, noting that the Sakini River has become a hotspot for tragedies during the rainy season, with similar cases of people being swept away reported every year.
Police officers from Vota Police Station, with the help of local residents, retrieved the body, which has since been taken to the Machakos Level Five Hospital mortuary.
The Assistant Chief has urged residents to exercise caution during this rainy season, emphasizing the need to avoid crossing rivers or dangerous areas when it is raining heavily.
