Jua Kali operators at Narok town garage have mounted a search for one of their own, who drowned in River Narok near Narok town Christmas day.

Led by their Chairman Gabriel Kamwathi, the operators said despite having reported the incident to the police Thursday, they have not received much help as security personnel have not responded.

Kamwathi who spoke to the media today said they have been camping next to the river despite heavy downpour being experienced, with the hope of recovering the body adding that they will use all possible means to ensure the body is recovered.

“We are contributing monies to hire private divers from Naivasha who will help us recover the body as the water is increasing. We will leave no stone unturned until we recover that body,” said Mr. Kamwathi.

Peter Madawah who saw him drowning said the deceased aged 25 years and commonly known as ‘Matwa’ was playing with his friend beside the river on Christmas day when they both jumped into the river but lucky enough, his friend was saved.

“For the last two days, we have been searching for him down streams without any success. We have followed the river for over ten kilometers but have not seen any signs of the body,” he said.

Another jua kali operator known as Nderitu Asenari blamed the local leaders for not showing up in the efforts to recover the body despite having reported the incident to them.

“We have not seen even our local Member of County Assembly whom we campaigned for and elected in office. The act by our leaders is very painful,” he said.

The deceased employer John Chege lamented that he had lost a hard working person whom he has known for the last three years when he employed him.

But Narok North Sub County Police Commandant Joseph Kisombe said the police are also working to retrieve the body but facing challenges because of the flooded river.

The incident comes at a time when the Meteorology department in the County has advised residents to be cautious as the county is expected to continue receiving more heavy rains.

County Director of Meteorology Peter Runanu advised residents in flood prone areas to be careful and move to safer grounds to avoid being swept away by flash floods.

KNA by Ann Salaton