PTD Kenya expresses deep sorrow following yet another tragic incident in Kiambani Village, where a shallow well collapsed at Londokwe River, claiming the life of a young girl and injuring three others. The victims were rescued by the County Emergency Response Team and rushed to the Makueni County Referral Hospital (MCRH) for treatment. Sadly, one life was lost despite swift intervention.
This heartbreaking event adds to a growing list of water-related tragedies in Kitise Kithuki Ward, which call for immediate and coordinated action to protect lives and promote water safety.
In recent months, the community has witnessed several devastating incidents:
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A 21-year-old girl lost her life after a crocodile attack at Mwania Location.
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A 13-year-old boy from Kiangini lost his left hand in a crocodile attack at Athi River while fetching water.
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A 54-year-old man tragically lost his life in Athi River after a similar encounter.
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A 28-year-old woman sustained severe injuries, losing several fingers while fetching water along Athi River.
These incidents occurred in Kithaayoni, Athiani, Kwanzula, and Kikome villages — all within Kitise Kithuki Ward, along the treacherous stretches of River Athi.
🚨 A Call for Serious Intervention
The frequency and severity of these tragedies underscore the urgent need for sustainable water infrastructure and stronger safety interventions in the ward. Communities continue to risk their lives in search of water — a basic human necessity — revealing deep structural challenges in access, safety, and planning.
PTD Kenya calls upon the County Government of Makueni, development partners, and national agencies to:
✅ Expedite the implementation of the County Water Master Plan.
✅ Develop safe and accessible community water points away from crocodile-infested areas.
✅ Strengthen community awareness and safety training on water use and wildlife risks.
✅ Provide alternative clean water solutions such as boreholes and piped systems in vulnerable villages.
💧 A Shared Responsibility
As PTD Kenya continues to advocate for climate resilience, water safety, and human rights, we urge all stakeholders to treat these recurring tragedies as a matter of urgency. No family should lose a loved one in the pursuit of water.
We stand in solidarity with the affected families from Kiambani, Kithaayoni, Athiani, Kwanzula, Kikome, and beyond, and we reaffirm our commitment to working with the County Government and partners to ensure water access becomes safe, sustainable, and dignified for all.
“Water is life — but for too many in Kitise Kithuki, it has become a source of danger. Together, we must turn tragedy into transformation.” 💧
