NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has mourned the death of veteran aqua rescue volunteer Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who lost his life while responding to an emergency along the Mbagathi River in Nairobi.
The humanitarian organisation said Wangila died on March 3, 2026, during an ongoing rescue operation at the Highrise area after a distress call reporting that a young boy had drowned.
“The Kenya Red Cross Society is deeply saddened by the passing of our dedicated Aqua Rescue volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who lost his life in the line of duty on 3 March 2026,” the organisation said in a statement.
KRCS described Wangila as one of its most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers, having served for more than 15 years in emergency operations across the country.
“For over 15 years, Samuel served across the country with courage, professionalism and an extraordinary commitment to saving lives. He was among our most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers,” the statement added.
In 2025, Wangila received a Special Recognition Award at the Volunteer Awards in honour of his nationwide contribution to aqua rescue missions.
Beyond frontline deployments, he actively strengthened the society’s response capacity by training and mentoring fellow volunteers in water rescue techniques.
The organisation credited him with building skilled rescue teams and equipping responders with practical lifesaving skills, noting that his impact extended far beyond individual missions.
Colleagues remembered him as courageous and selfless, always ready to answer calls for help regardless of the risks involved.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends, and fellow volunteers during this profoundly difficult time. We stand with them in mourning a life lived in service to others. Rest in peace, Samuel. Your legacy lives on in every life you saved,” KRCS said.
Founded in 1965 under the Kenya Red Cross Society Act (Chapter 256 Laws of Kenya), KRCS is officially recognised by the government as a voluntary aid society working alongside public authorities in humanitarian response.
It is the sole National Red Cross Society in Kenya and plays a critical role in disaster management, emergency medical services, and community resilience programmes.
Wangila’s death underscores the risks faced by emergency responders, particularly during water rescue operations in urban rivers that often swell during heavy rains.
His passing marks a significant loss to Kenya’s humanitarian and volunteer community.
