The Kenya Red Cross has announced the death of one of their experienced divers.
According to Red cross, the veteran diver lost his life following a recovery mission for a 17-year-old boy in Nairobi.
Reports indicate that deceased was confirmed dead on Tuesday, March 3,2026, days after search and rescue operations for a Grade 9 boy began after he was swept by the raging waters of the Nairobi River near Nyayo High rise estate along Mbagathi Road.
“The Kenya Red Cross Society is deeply saddened by the passing of our dedicated Aqua Rescue volunteer Samuel Wangila, who lost his life in the line of duty on March 3,” a statement from Red cross read.
According to preliminary reports, Samuel was overwhelmed by the sheer force of the Nairobi River, which has been swollen since the heavy rains began in late February.
The deceased was among several divers who were tasked with retrieving the body of a Grade 9 student, who was swept away by the flooded waters of the Nairobi River on Friday, February 28, 2026.
According to reports, the student was walking with a friend near Nyayo High rise Estate along Mbagathi Road when they attempted to cross a river swollen by recent rains while taking a shortcut to football practice.
However, the boy lost his footing and was immediately carried toward a nearby waterfall, disappearing beneath the turbulent current.
According to his friend who was with him, he was dragged away before they could reach him.
