A nine-year-old girl tragically drowned after falling into an open and unfinished sewer line filled with rainwater in Mihango, Nairobi. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday evening in Utamu Estate while the young girl was playing with her friends near the construction site.
According to reports, the open sewer trench had been left exposed and was partially filled with rainwater following the recent downpours in the city. The girl, a pupil at Mihango Junior Primary School, accidentally slipped into the trench and was quickly submerged. Locals who witnessed the incident rushed to rescue her and took her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Residents expressed deep sorrow and anger, blaming the contractors and relevant authorities for negligence. They said the sewer line had been left open without any warning signs or barriers to prevent access by children and the public. Community members are now demanding accountability from those responsible for the project and calling for urgent action to cover or secure all open trenches in the area.
The incident has sparked debate about public safety and oversight in construction projects within residential neighborhoods. Locals say this tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures were in place. They are urging the county government and relevant agencies to ensure that all ongoing infrastructure projects prioritize safety to protect lives, especially those of children who often play in such open spaces.
In a separate incident in Athi River, Machakos County, a woman aged about 30 collapsed and died while walking in the area. She had reportedly mentioned that she was searching for a missing friend before she suddenly collapsed. Her body was taken to the local mortuary for identification and a postmortem examination.
Meanwhile, in Likoni, Mombasa, a man died after being assaulted by friends over a disagreement involving money. Police have arrested one suspect and are searching for others linked to the attack.
In another accident in Mwiki, Nairobi, a man sustained serious injuries after being hit by a train while crossing the railway line. Authorities continue to warn residents against crossing at unsafe points and using earphones near railway tracks to prevent similar tragedies.
