Rescue operations are underway in River Njoro after a 14 year boy drowned on Thursday morning while swimming with a group of friends.
According to the residents, the incident was caused by the rise in water levels in the river as a result of the on going heavy rains.
"Our children are used of swimming here while playing and looking after cattle down stream, we are however cautioning them because of the high water levels due to the rains," noted Mzee Mburu Njogu, the area village elder.
He blamed the survivors for not raising an alarm immediately they noticed the boy had drowned, saying the unfortunate incident could have been prevented.
"I think the boys were afraid of being punished or were shocked by the disappearance of one of them, that is why they took a lot of time to inform an adult person," he added.
The residents are now calling on the area chief to immediately convene a public baraza and sensitise children and villagers on the importance keeping away from the flooded river to avoid occurrence of a similar incident.