A family in Mumias East Sub-County, Kakamega County, is mourning the death of a 78-year-old man who drowned in River Lusumu under circumstances that have left residents in shock.
The deceased, Cornelius Wakhulunya Wangatia, a retired assistant chief from Ekero sub-location, was found lifeless after allegedly jumping into the flooded river following a confrontation with his ex-wife.
According to police reports, Wangatia left his home at around 9:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, before he was later reported missing. His body was later discovered in the river by members of the public.
Residents who spotted the body floating in the water retrieved it and immediately alerted authorities. Officers who arrived at the scene confirmed the incident and recorded preliminary findings.
Police indicated that the body did not show any visible physical injuries at the time of examination, raising questions about the exact events leading to his death.
Family members and local residents gathered at the scene as news of the incident spread across the village, leaving the community in deep sorrow.
According to initial information shared by police and people close to him, Wangatia had been facing mental health challenges, which reportedly worsened following the confrontation with his ex-wife.
The incident has raised concern among residents about the need for closer support and attention for elderly individuals facing mental health struggles, especially in rural areas where many live alone.
His body was later transferred to St Mary’s Mission Hospital mortuary, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, even as residents are urged to exercise caution near rivers and other water bodies during periods of heavy rainfall.
The tragedy has left Ekero sub-location in mourning as the community remembers Wangatia for his years of public service as a local administrator.
Tags
News