On May 1, 2025, a man’s body was retrieved from a septic tank in Kathemboni village, located in Machakos County. The individual, believed to be in his early 20s, was found in a septic tank around 9 AM. While the exact circumstances of how the man ended up in the septic tank are still unclear, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The rescue operation to retrieve the body involved a combined effort from the police, the public, the Kenya Red Cross Society, Machakos County Government Rescue team, and National Government Administration Officers. The septic tank, which was 20 feet deep, posed a significant challenge to the rescue team, but they managed to recover the body and transport it to Machakos Level 5 Hospital mortuary for further investigation.
The scene of the incident attracted numerous onlookers, who gathered around as the operation unfolded. This tragic event is part of a broader concern in Machakos County regarding the increasing number of fatalities due to neglected open holes, septic tanks, and manholes. Many residents have raised alarms about the lack of safety measures in place to secure these potentially dangerous features, especially in areas where construction and development are ongoing.
Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred in Mlolongo Phase 3 estate in Athi River, Machakos County, when a young child drowned in an open manhole. The child, just three and a half years old, fell into the manhole at a building under construction. This was not the first time such an incident had occurred at the same location, sparking outrage among local residents who called for immediate action from the authorities to address the danger posed by open pits, manholes, and other unprotected holes in the area.
The situation in Machakos County highlights a critical need for better regulation and oversight when it comes to the construction and maintenance of public and private infrastructure. Inadequately covered septic tanks and manholes, particularly in construction zones, are posing an ever-growing threat to the safety of local residents. Authorities have been urged to take swift action to implement safer practices, including proper coverage and frequent inspections, to prevent further loss of life.
Moreover, rescue teams in the area have emphasized the urgent need for improved equipment and resources to handle such incidents more efficiently. The lack of specialized rescue equipment has made it difficult for teams to respond effectively, prolonging the time it takes to retrieve victims and increasing the risk of further harm. This was echoed by officials from the Kenya Red Cross Society, who noted that Machakos County’s rescue operations are often hampered by these resource limitations.
The recent incidents underscore the broader challenges facing communities in rapidly developing areas where safety measures often fall behind construction progress. There is an increasing call for stricter regulations, improved infrastructure, and better safety practices to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
