Veteran Red Cross diver dies responding to drowning call at Mbagathi River

The Kenya Red Cross Society is mourning one of its aqua rescue volunteers who died while responding to an emergency along Nairobi’s Mbagathi River.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 4, Secretary General Ahmed Idris confirmed that the diver died during a rescue operation at Highrise.

“The Kenya Red Cross Society is deeply saddened by the passing of our dedicated Aqua Rescue volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who lost his life in the line of duty on 3 March 2026,” the statement read.

The organisation said the experienced rescuer had been dispatched following a distress call reporting a teenager drowning in the river.

“Samuel was responding to an ongoing aqua rescue operation following a distress call at Highrise along the Mbagathi River, where a young boy had tragically drowned,” it said.

We mourn the loss of our dedicated Aqua Rescue volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who gave his life in the line of duty.

For over 15 years, he served with courage and compassion, saving lives and mentoring others.

Rest in peace, Samuel. Your legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/d3113yMSXU

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) March 4, 2026

Idris described Wangila as one of the most experienced and dependable members of the Red Cross aqua rescue team, noting that he had served in humanitarian operations across the country for more than 15 years.

“For over 15 years, Samuel served across the country with courage, professionalism and an extraordinary commitment to saving lives. He was among our most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers,” he said.

The tragedy comes just days after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall in 22 counties, raising the risk of flooding amid ongoing downpours across the country.

Counties on alert include Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Bungoma and Vihiga. In the Rift Valley region, Nakuru, Baringo, Kericho and Bomet are also among areas expected to experience heavy rainfall.