Joy Wanjiru, 15, slipped and drowned at Gatitika Falls in River Nyamindi.
What began as a simple adventure turned tragic for 15-year-old Joy Wanjiru, who drowned on Sunday while visiting Gatitika Falls in the River Nyamindi, located in Kimbimbi, Mwea Constituency. She had gone to the scenic location accompanied by a male friend from Red Soil Village.
According to her father, Danson Njue, the heartbreaking news came after the friend quickly reported the accident to the Kimbimbi Police Post, prompting the police to reach out to the family.
“Joy was with her friend at the time of the incident. He informed the police, who then contacted me,” said Njue.
After word spread, residents from surrounding areas — Kimbimbi, Gatitika, Mathangauta, Ngucue, and Red Soil — came together in a joint effort to find the missing girl. The search was led by Joy’s father and supported by concerned neighbours.
On Wednesday morning, hope returned when a resident crossing the river spotted the body floating near the edge of the water.
“We think the river levels dropped overnight, making it easier to see her,” said Paul Muriithi, a local who had joined the operation.
Officers from Wang’uru Police Station arrived on the scene shortly after the discovery and moved Joy’s body to a nearby mortuary. A postmortem is expected to be conducted as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, residents remain in shock, deeply hurt by the sudden loss of such a young and vibrant life.
The incident has left a heavy cloud of sadness hanging over the region. Joy, a young girl full of promise, is now gone, but the unity shown by villagers in her search shows the strength of community in the face of pain.
Her family now begins the hard journey of saying goodbye. May her soul rest in peace.
