Kirinyaga: Grief in Kimbimbi After 15yr old Girl drowns.

Community in Mourning After Tragic Incident

A cloud of sorrow has settled over Kimbimbi village in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County, after a heartbreaking tragedy occurred on Sunday evening.

A 15-year-old girl lost her life after she slipped and fell into River Nyamindi at the popular Gatitika Waterfalls.

Since the incident, grief-stricken villagers from Kimbimbi, Mathangauta, Ngucue, Gatitika, and other nearby communities have gathered at the riverbanks.

They have spent several days searching tirelessly for the girl’s body, hoping for closure and answers for the family members.

A Fun Outing Turns Tragic

According to the girl’s father, Danson Njue, the teenager had gone for a picnic with her friend on that fateful day. What was meant to be a joyful outing quickly turned into a devastating tragedy.

“My daughter was with her friend when she slipped and fell into the river,” Mr. Njue said, his voice filled with pain and sorrow.

The area where she fell is known for its strong currents and rocky edges, which can be very dangerous, especially during the rainy season.

Popular Waterfall Attracts Many Youths

Benson Gachoki, a local official from Gatitika Village, confirmed that over 100 young people from Kirinyaga and even from neighboring counties visit Gatitika Falls every weekend.

“Kirinyaga is famous for its beautiful waterfalls,” he explained.

“People come here every Sunday to enjoy the views, take photos, and swim. This is the first tragic incident we’ve ever seen at Gatitika Falls,” he added.

His comments highlight how the scenic spot, while beautiful, lacks adequate safety measures, making it risky, especially for teenagers who come to swim without supervision.

Call for Help From Authorities

As the search for the missing girl continues, relatives and local residents are pleading with both the Kirinyaga County Government and the national disaster management team to send trained divers and professional rescue teams to help recover the body.

“We have done everything we can as a community, but now we need the government to step in,” said one of the villagers involved in the search.

So far, efforts to find her have been unsuccessful due to the deep waters and rocky terrain. Many are growing increasingly anxious as each day passes without any breakthrough.

Growing Concerns Over Safety at Natural Sites

This tragedy has sparked conversations among locals about the need for better safety protocols at natural tourist sites like Gatitika Falls.

Many believe that signs warning of slippery rocks, strong currents, and designated swimming areas could help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Residents also hope that local leaders will take urgent steps to educate visitors, especially young people, on the potential dangers that come with swimming in rivers and waterfalls.

A Painful Wait

For now, the community remains united in grief and hope. People are still gathered at the riverbank, praying for a miracle and waiting for divers to retrieve the girl’s body so that her family can give her a proper burial.

This tragic incident has not only shocked the village but also served as a painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow—and why safety must always come first, even in the most beautiful places.