Family Pleads for Help to Recover Body of Boy Swept Away in Nairobi River
Written by Eunice Onyancha on May 21, 2026
The family of Wayne Joel Otieno has made an urgent appeal to the government and rescue agencies to help recover the body of their son, who drowned in the Nairobi River. Reports indicate that the young boy was swept away by strong currents while playing with his friends near the river.
According to the family, the tragic incident occurred after heavy rains caused the river to overflow, creating powerful currents along the riverbanks. Witnesses said Wayne was playing near the swollen river when he was suddenly carried away by the raging waters. His friends screamed for help, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful.
The boy’s mother, overwhelmed with grief, said the family has been living in deep sorrow since the tragedy occurred. She revealed that relatives have been spending days and nights along the riverbank, hoping the body of their son will be found so they can give him a proper burial.
Neighbors and residents from the area have also joined the search efforts, saying the Nairobi River has continued to pose a serious danger to residents, especially children, due to the lack of protective barriers and warning signs in some sections.
Residents are now urging the Nairobi County Government and disaster management agencies to improve safety measures along rivers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
