The family of Elijah Kaguchia, popularly known as Koxhi Krezen, is seeking answers on the circumstances around the death of their keen following the recovery of his bruised body in Lake Nakuru.

Kagucia’s body was recovered on Wednesday, November 11, after four days of searching by family members, friends and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.

Speaking at their home in Nyamaroto, Bahati Sub-County, his mother, Lucy Wanjiru, said Kagucia had gone fishing but failed to return home, prompting the family to begin searching for him the following day.

The family reported the matter at Bondeni Police Station before returning to the lake to request for a search.

“We went to look for him on Sunday. On Monday, we went to Bondeni Police Station and filed a missing person report. We then returned to the water to continue searching for him,” she said.

Elijah Kaguchia's mother, Lucy Wanjiru at their home in Nyamaroto, Bahati Sub-County, while narrating the pain of losing her child who had gone to Lake Nakuru for fishing

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

She appealed to the government to provide answers for the numerous deaths of fishermen at the lake

“As a parent, I want justice for my child. My son had visible injuries that we could not get an explanation from the authorities. So far, I have attended 18 burials of young people who have died in this lake. Something needs to be done,” Wanjiru said.

His friend and colleague, Josiah Demian, said Kagucia said he had advised him against going to the lake after learning that security patrols had intensified.

“Fishing grounds had become very hostile, with police officers and park officers intensifying patrols. I had requested my friend to wait for a week or so for the situation to cool down,” Demian noted.

He explained that the 23-year-old and another fisherman reportedly spotted KWS officers and jumped into the water to swim away, but Kagucia became trapped in a fishing net.

“My friend was a good swimmer. Were it not for the fishing nets, I’m sure he would have made it out safely,” he said, adding that Kagucia had fished for about one and a half years.

Kaguchia’s friend and colleague, Josiah Demian, recounts events that lead to his friend drowning to his death at Lake Nakuru National Park on November 7,2026

Kagucia’s wife, Eunice Dana, said she last spoke to him on Saturday evening at around 5.30 pm, when he called and indicated that he would contact her again.

When he failed to call, she sent messages and tried reaching him the following morning, but received no response. She contacted relatives and friends before joining the family in the search.

“I am at a loss. I have lost my partner of four years, coming to terms with this is really hard. I hope he will get his justice,” he said.

Kaguchia’s wife, Eunice Dana, narrates how the search for his bondy went on at the Lake with support from KWS officers and divers before his body was discovered after four days.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Lake Nakuru Park in charge Martin Omondi confirmed the incident and urged the residents against risking their lives to fish in the lake.

“This lake lies within Lake Nakuru National Park, a protected conservation area and unauthorized entry and fishing remain prohibited,” said Mr Omondi.

OB NO. 25/09/11/2026 AT 1235 hours seen by Mtaa Wangu indicated that at around 2100 hrs John Maina Muya entered into park through the fence with his friend Elijah Kagucia Wanjiru to fish in the lake and left another at the fence to keep watch

"While they were fishing in the lake when KWS officers came using the boat and arrested the reported, but his friend Kagucia jumped into the lake and went missing. His efforts to trace the victim until today has not materialised. He was seen last wearing black jacket and grey trouser," read the report.

The Family is now calling for justice, clarity on fishing restrictions and better economic opportunities for communities living around the lake.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Family demands answers after fisherman’s body is recovered from Lake Nakuru

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Purity Kinuthia