Tragedy struck at a well-known recreational spot in Mugutha, Juja sub-county, when two university students drowned during a weekend outing.
The scenic location, situated off Thika Road, is popular among outdoor enthusiasts but has gained a reputation for being hazardous due to its proximity to a steep slope overlooking the dam.
According to police reports, the victims, aged 21 and 22, were enjoying a day of swimming before the unfortunate accident occurred. Their bodies were later retrieved from the dam by Kiambu County divers on Sunday and transferred to General Kago Funeral Home as authorities launched investigations into the incident.
This location previously made headlines in January 2023 when a tragic accident claimed the lives of a man and a woman. Witnesses recounted how their vehicle veered off and plunged into the dam, leading to a desperate struggle for survival.
Resident Lucy Muthoni, who was present during the 2023 incident, recalled hearing a woman’s distressing screams. “She was in the water trying to save herself, but there were no divers around. After the car submerged, she managed to escape through the windows,” she told Citizen Digital.
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The area remains a hotspot for leisure seekers, with empty alcohol bottles often seen along the dam's banks. Following the 2023 tragedy, authorities attempted to enhance safety by fencing off the location and introducing a restaurant and bar within the premises.
Motorists were subsequently required to pay a Ksh.100 entry fee to access the site, which also offered free Wi-Fi, making it a popular relaxation hub. However, despite these changes, the spot continues to pose a serious risk to visitors, raising concerns about the need for stricter safety regulations.
With multiple drowning incidents reported at this location, locals and authorities may need to enforce stricter measures to prevent further tragedies. Enhanced supervision, warning signs, and emergency response teams could help mitigate the dangers posed by the dam.
