Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP), formerly known as Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), is currently coping with a tragic loss following the death of one of its learners. Lewis Munene Kiriga, a 19-year-old Automotive Engineering student, lost his life during an informal afternoon outing at Ngegu Dam in Ngegu Village, located near the institution.
A dark cloud has fallen over the Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP) community following the drowning of a 19-year-old student during a swimming outing near the institution.
The deceased, identified by police as Lewis Munene Kiriga—a first-year Automotive Engineering student—had reportedly left campus with four fellow KINAP students to visit Ngegu Dam in Ngegu Village.
Confirming the incident, Kiambu Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) Elema Sora stated that the group was standing along the shoreline preparing to swim when Munene stripped down to his shorts and dived into the water. According to witness accounts, he initially swam with ease and surfaced multiple times.
However, concern grew after he dived back under and failed to resurface for approximately ten minutes. His friends initially assumed he had exited the dam from another side and searched the surrounding area, but could not locate him.
Local residents equipped with a boat and fishing nets joined the initial search efforts, but were unable to find him. Rescue operations continued until Sunday afternoon, when members of the Kiambu County Fire and Rescue Brigade retrieved his body from the dam.
The victim’s father, who resides in Embu, was overcome with grief upon receiving confirmation of his son’s death at the scene.
