Recovery efforts are underway in Gathigiriri village in Mwea, Kirinyaga county after a six-year-old boy drowned in a river.

According to the boy's grandmother, Virginia Wanjiku, the tragic incident occurred when the child was swimming in the river in the company of his ten friends.

“We were away for casual duties when we got information about the incident,” Wanjiku said.

PHOTO | COURTESY river

Jane Gathuka, a local, claimed that they had been searching for the body since Saturday without success.

Another resident, Peter Maina, stated that they had retrieved the boy's clothing.

"We are appealing for divers to help us retrieve the body as we continue with the search."

Residents stated that this is not the first event in the region. They urged parents to stay vigilant.