Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Maliti has asked locals across the county to avoid swimming in dams.
Speaking in Tala, Matungulu sub-county on Wednesday, Maliti said the dams were dug for catching water and not swimming.
He expressed concerns many people were losing their lives in the dams.
"People should be warned, these dams are not swimming pools that you can swim, they were made to provide water and you risk your life whenever you choose to swim in," the deputy county boss said during an attempt by divers to retrieve a body of a 22-year-old man from a dam in the area.
"We have brought divers from Kilimambogo and we are hoping the body will be found. To the family, we are really sorry for the loss," he added.
The man identified as Mutuku is said to have opted for a quick swim in the dam on Tuesday afternoon before drowning.
He was in the company of his friend and had gone to fetch water from the dam using an ox-cart.
Maliti said that the county will not only ensure fencing of dams but also erection of warning signs.
"There will be signs to warn people against swimming in the dams just like electric poles have danger signs," he said.
The body has not yet been recovered and the exercise is expected to resume on Thursday.
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