A 35-year-old man lost his life on Wednesday night after he drowned in River Athi at Syumbuni village in Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County.

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The man is said to have been crossing the river as he headed to his home in Syumbuni from Juja area when he slipped and fell into the river.

The incident was confirmed by Kyeleni Location Chief Dominic Musau who said that the river has swollen due to the heavy rainfall being experienced in the area.

He urged residents crossing the river to exercise caution, noting that the river has swollen to dangerous levels.

"The man was heading to his home in Syumbuni and while crossing the river, he slipped and fell in the water. The river has swollen due to the heavy rains we have experienced in the past few days and residents should be vigilant," said Musau during a phone interview. 

The chief said that cases of drowning are rampant when the river swells, stating that it poses danger mostly to young kids who may find it hard to cross from one side to the other. 

Musau said that police officers collaborated with divers to retrieve the body from the river.

The body was taken to Kangundo Level Four Hospital Mortuary awaiting burial

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