The body of the missing Cheploch Diver, Rodgers Kiplimo, has been recovered after a week-long search in the Chelploch River.
In a statement on Saturday, Bomet Governor Hilary Barchok said Kiplimo lost his life in a diving accident over the weekend.
According to the governor, Bomet County deployed its divers in the rescue mission. After combing through the river, the divers found and retrieved the body of the Late Rodgers.
Authorities acknowledged the heroic efforts of the divers and expressed appreciation for bringing closure to his family and the diving community, who are mourning the loss of a skilled and dedicated diver.
“We thank our divers Gideon Ngotwa and Gideon Siele of the Department of Disaster Management for their heroic and selfless mission to search for their comrade. They have given the family of the Late Rodgers some comfort by finding his body,” read part of the statement shared by Governor Barchok.
Body of Missing Cheploch Diver Recovered After One Week
Rodgers Kiplimo, a 25-year-old member of the renowned Cheploch Gorge Divers in Baringo County, tragically drowned in a diving incident in River Kerio on March 7, 2026.
In a video shared on Facebook, he was seen jumping into the water, but he never resurfaced.
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His disappearance set off an urgent search-and-rescue mission involving local authorities and neighboring counties, but the ongoing rainfall and current waves of the water made the operation impossible.
“Efforts to rescue him were unsuccessful due to ongoing rains, which hindered recovery operations. The search and recovery efforts continue,” said Uria, an eyewitness.
Rodgers Kiplimo was married to Jeniffer Ng’etich, a 23-year-old, and the couple was expecting their second child at the time of his death.
Authorities, colleagues, and the community have shared their condolences and prayed for comfort for the family amid this tragic loss.
Veteran Red Cross Diver Dies Amid Rescue Operation in Nairobi
Earlier, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed the death of one of their experienced divers, who lost his life following a recovery mission for a 17-year-old boy in Nairobi.
Samuel Wangila was confirmed dead on Tuesday, March 3, days after search and rescue operations for a Grade 9 boy began after he was swept by the raging waters of the Nairobi River near Nyayo Highrise estate along Mbagathi Road.
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The student was walking with a friend near Nyayo Highrise Estate along Mbagathi Road when they attempted to cross a river swollen by recent rains while taking a shortcut to football practice.
According to eyewitnesses, the floodwaters were moving rapidly, and the boy lost his footing and was immediately carried toward a nearby waterfall, where he disappeared beneath the turbulent current.
Wangila, who had served with the Kenya Red Cross for over 15 years, was known for his courage and dedication in search-and-rescue missions, during which he saved lives and mentored fellow responders.
