A family in Machakos County is mourning after their son, Abel Mwendwa, tragically drowned in a dam near his school.

Abel, a 17-year-old KCSE candidate at Katelembo Centre of Excellence, was heading home when he decided to take a swim, an outing that sadly turned fatal.

Alexander Mwanzia, who was among the first people to reach the dam after Abel drowned said, “Nilikuwa wa kwanza kufika kuangalia kijana, nikapata hana nguo kitambo kamba ifike kijana alikuwa amezama.”

Mwanzia recounted how he found Abel’s clothes abandoned by the water as he realized the boy had already submerged.

This incident has left the community in disbelief and anger.

On Sunday October 27, 2024, upset parents arrived at the school demanding answers from the administration.

Among them was Baritta Mwikali, a parent who voiced her frustration with the school’s response to the incident.

“Nilijaribu kuuliza mwalimu kile ilifanyika hakunipa majibu,” she said, explaining that the school staff hadn’t provided clear answers about what led Abel to the dam.

Meanwhile, police in Machakos have launched investigation into the tragic incident.

One aspect under scrutiny is whether Abel had been sent home that day to collect school fees.

However, as some people close to the family claim Abel had been sent home, the school principal firmly denies it, stating that the student had not been sent away for fees.