The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel have successfully retrieved the body of a middle-aged man who drowned at Chepkorio Dam in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement on Sunday, September 14, KDF said the recovery was carried out by a joint team from the Kenya Navy Clearance Diving Unit (KN CDU) and the 9th Battalion, Kenya Rifles (9 KR) following days of unsuccessful search efforts.
"The recovery, conducted on 13 September 2025, marked the culmination of a six-day search and rescue operation. Earlier attempts by other agencies and local divers had been unsuccessful due to the dam’s 80-foot depth and difficult underwater conditions," the statement read.
According to KDF, it deployed specialized equipment to overcome the unique challenges of the search.
"To overcome these challenges, KDF deployed a specialized team equipped with advanced JJ Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) systems, which provided longer dive durations and extended search range beyond the limits of conventional SCUBA equipment.
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"This capability enabled the divers to successfully locate and recover the body in a much shorter time," the statement added.
KDF described the operation as part of its wider humanitarian mandate and further sent a message of condolence to the deceased's family.
"The operation highlighted the professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment of KDF personnel in humanitarian response, reflecting the wider mission of the Kenya Defence Forces in supporting national resilience and emergency operations.
"KDF extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. May they find comfort and strength during this difficult time," the statement concluded.
This comes weeks after KDF announced the killing of five al-Shabaab militants and the recovery of a cache of weapons during a special operation in Boni Forest, Lamu County.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 26, KDF said the militants were neutralized during an intelligence-led patrol by Special Forces in Lacta Mangai within the forest.
"A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Special Forces team, while on an intelligence led patrol in Lacta Mangai within the expansive Boni Forest, discovered and neutralized a makeshift al-shabaab camp killing 5 terrorists while others escaped with injuries," the statement read.
KDF further revealed that the raid led to the seizure of several weapons and materials used in terrorist operations.
"The operation also resulted in the recovery of al-shabaab significant operational items, including AK-47 rifles, RPG launchers with warheads, rounds and ammunition, solar panels, tents, and various materials used for making improvised explosive devices (EDs)," the statement added.
KDF reiterated its commitment to eradicate the threat of tourism in the region through the ongoing multi-agency operation.
"Operation Amani Boni (OAB) remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security in the Boni region, ensuring that families can live without fear.
"We call on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to support our mission. Together, we will exterminate terrorism and ensure a peaceful Boni," the statement further read.
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