As climate variability, extreme weather events, and environmental hazards continue to increase the frequency of emergencies across the country, rapid disaster response capability has become an essential component of national resilience. Beyond its primary constitutional mandate of defending Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) plays a critical secondary role in supporting civil authorities during emergencies, disasters, and humanitarian crises where specialized capability, speed, and operational discipline are required.
The KDF Disaster Response Battalion (DRB) recently concluded a water drowning response operation at the Thika River along Ithaka Road, Murang’a County, following the recovery of the body of a man who had been missing for more than a week.
The operation was launched on 19 May 2026 after the Deputy County Commissioner of Ithanga/Kakuzi Sub-County requested assistance from the DRB Swift Water Rescue Team through Defence Headquarters and Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to officials, the drowning incident occurred on 11 May 2026 when two men were reportedly attempting to cross the swollen river while heading to work at Del Monte Farm.
Initial rescue efforts by the Murang’a County Government and local residents led to the successful retrieval of one man shortly after the incident. However, the search for the second person continued for several days without success.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, DRB divers recovered the body of the second man, bringing the prolonged search and recovery mission to an end.
The operation involved personnel from the DRB Swift Water Rescue Team and was praised as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration and professionalism in handling complex water search and recovery missions.
Speaking after the operation, KDF leaders at the site thanked local residents and all agencies involved for their support during the joint mission. They also thanked the soldiers for their professionalism and continued selflessness in responding to such emergency occurrences, asking them never to waver in this pursuit.
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