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| Thiba Falls in Kutus Town, Kirinyaga County/KAGIO News |
The body of Gideon Ekai Loyoro, a first-year student at Kirinyaga University was found on Wednesday, October 21 in the Kiamathatwa area of Kutus Town days after he reportedly drowned while swimming with a friend near Thiba Falls. The recovery brought an end to days of searching for the student who had only joined the university in September. His body was found metres away from the area where he was reportedly swimming before the incident on Sunday, October 18.
Gideon, who hailed from Lokichar in Turkana County, reportedly drowned while attempting to cross River Thiba from one side to the other. The student was overwhelmed by the force of the water and failed to make it back to safety. A fellow student reported the incident to the police prompting officers to visit the scene and begin search efforts. The incident was reported to have occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The search brought together police officers, local divers, residents and fellow students some of whom spent hours at the river hoping to locate the missing student. However, the operation faced serious challenges because of the conditions at the falls. Local divers said strong currents, deep sections of the river and submerged tree roots made it dangerous to enter the water. The divers also expressed concern that they could be swept away or trapped while attempting to retrieve the body.
On Tuesday, October 20, the search was halted for some time after rising water levels affected the rescue operation. The increase in water levels was reportedly linked to the opening of Thiba Dam in Rukenya. The dam supplies water to the Thiba River.
Gideon's father, Julies Loyoro said the family had been informed about the incident and notified by the university. The family was left waiting as search teams continued efforts to locate the student. Gideon's death has also drawn attention to the risks posed by swimming in the river particularly around the falls where strong currents and deep water can make rescue attempts difficult.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety at Thiba Falls, a site visited by residents and people from outside Kirinyaga County. During the search, residents pointed out that the area attracts visitors who come to see the falls and swim in the river. They called for warning signs to alert visitors to the dangers of the water and help prevent similar incidents.
Gideon's death is not the first reported drowning involving a Kirinyaga University student in River Thiba. In July 2024, the body of second-year student Marcus Nyaga was recovered after he drowned while swimming with a colleague near Kutus Bridge. In May of the same year, the body of third-year student Lawi Kiptoo was found in the river after a two-day search. These incidents have repeatedly raised questions about the dangers of swimming in the river and the need for greater safety awareness around its waters.
As the family comes to terms with the loss, Gideon's death serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by strong river currents and deep water. The recovery of his body ends the search that had kept his family, fellow students and residents waiting for days.