Police in Meru on Thursday evening retrieved the body of a 28 year old woman who drowned together with her baby at Rwanjange village while trying to fetch water in a nearby flooded swamp.
However, the baby was rescued alive from the swamp.
According to an eye witness the mother was carrying her baby while fetching water before the minor accidentally slipped off from her back and fell into the flooded swamp.
It is after the incident that forced the mother of two to jump into the water to try save her drowning baby but instead she was swept away.
Confirming the tragic ordeal, the Imenti East sub- county police commander Njoroge Mbugua said the body of the woman was recovered at around 6pm.
“It’s unfortunate the woman lost her life while trying to rescue her child but by good luck the baby was saved a live and rushed to Meru Teaching and Referral hospital where she is undergoing treatment,” said the police boss.
He at the same time warned locals to be careful during this rainy season and avoid flooded rivers and dangerous areas to curb more incidences of such deaths.
“Heavy rains are continuing to be witnessed in this regio. My plea is to all people to remain alert and avoid walking on flooded areas,” he added.
But residents who spoke to the media claimed that the swamp has remained a death trap for many years calling on government to fence the area to avoid more tragedies.
“This swamp has claimed many lives. People come to fetch water here and even children play around because it is near a road,” said John Murithi a resident.
