Authorities in Juja Sub-county, Kiambu County have halted swimming and fishing activities at a dam where two University students drowned on Sunday.
Juja Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege said that the area security apparatus will conduct an assessment at the Mugutha dam before condoning the area for the activities.
The Sunday incident happened during a fun day out at the popular ‘park and chill’ spot off Thika Road in the Mugutha area of Juja sub-county.
The victims are students Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture Technology (JKUAT).
The administrator said that the victims have been identified as Danstape Matoke 21 and Abel Mikaye 22 who were out for a fun day of swimming at the dam.
“It was a very unfortunate incident where the two young men lost their lives. This month we have so far retrieved four bodies from the dam. We have kicked off assessment of all dams in the area as we lay down proper security measures to avoid loss of more lives,” Ndege said.
The bodies were retrieved from the dam by Kiambu County divers on Sunday, March 2 and moved to the General Kago Funeral Home in Thika.
The area, known for its scenic dam and loved by outdoor enthusiasts, is considered particularly dangerous, Ndege said.
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This is because motorists often park on a slope overlooking the water to enable them to have a good view.
Ndege noted with concern that the area has no security measures put in place including life-savers adding that there are no divers at the dam.
He warned those venturing there for fun to be cautious as it was not the first time such a tragedy happens at the water.
“We are also calling on parents to warn their children against indulging in activities that are putting their lives at risk,” the administrator said.
The recreational site gained media attention in January 2023 when a man and a woman died after their car plunged into the dam.
According to local residents, the couple had been enjoying themselves near the dam when tragedy struck.
Resident Gabriel Mwangi said that the area is usually thronged by revelers most of who are young and middle-aged adding that besides posing a threat, the dam has created jobs for local youths as well as nearby hotels.
Loss of lives
He however pleaded for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to put in place safety measures to end and avoid loss of lives
Empty alcohol bottles, shisha bongs and used condoms scattered in the area and along the dam banks indicate that the area is a popular partying spot, often frequented by revelers.
After the 2023 drowning incident, the area was fenced off and a restaurant and bar set up inside triggering an influx of revelers. Motorists are usually charged sh 100 to access the area where they even enjoy free Wi-Fi.
Murera ward MCA Ngatha Wambiri said that he’ll petition the Kiambu County Government to fence the dam as well as others in the area and erect signages warning revelers against swimming or fishing.
He reiterated that it was a worrying trend having retrieved four bodies in one month adding that desperate measures must be adopted to prevent loss of more innocent lives.
By Kamau Njoroge
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