Boy, 13, Killed by Crocodile While Fetching Water in Makueni

A 13-year-old boy was killed by a crocodile while collecting water from River Athi in Kibwezi Sub-county, Makueni, during a prolonged dry spell.

The victim, identified as Mutuku, was a Grade Three pupil at Makaani Comprehensive School. He was attacked in full view of villagers, including his mother, Mbatha Ndambuki, who described the horror of watching the crocodile seize her son. His body has not been recovered.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has been unable to retrieve the remains despite installing a metallic trap at the scene. An initial search effort was called off when a hippopotamus appeared nearby, further complicating operations. 

“It is painful enough to lose a child. It is unbearable to lose the body,” said Ms Ndambuki, calling on authorities to continue the search.

Residents of Kanyonga village, where the boy lived, say water shortages forced families to rely on the river after local kiosks ran dry. “With the breakdown of our community water system, we are torn between thirst and death,” said Jacinta Ndunge, a neighbour.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, Makueni County has recorded 24 crocodile attacks in the past two years, 11 of them fatal. Most of the victims are children. Solomon Musia, the organisation’s county coordinator, attributes this to children’s vulnerability and lack of caution near water sources.

Local officials confirm that crocodile attacks rise during dry seasons, when both people and livestock are forced to use the river. Kikumbulyu Chief Nicholas Mutie says incidents typically increase during drought, though permanent safety measures remain limited. Current efforts include traps and patrols, which residents say are not enough.

The incident follows recent controversy surrounding public messaging on the issue. Two months ago, Makueni’s Trade and Tourism Executive, Sonnia Nzilani, was reinstated after being suspended for comments linking crocodile attacks to menstruation. 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior had condemned the remarks as harmful and misleading, saying such narratives divert responsibility from wildlife authorities.