Kenya: Stranded Fisherman Rescued after 3 Days

A fisherman who was stranded on an island in central Kenya for three days has been rescued.

Last Friday evening, 29 November, Vincent Musila had gone fishing in his canoe at River Athi, which is located near the town of Thika in Kiambu County.

While Musila was laying fishnets from a small patch of land in the middle of the river, the water levels swelled due to heavy flooding.

As a result, his canoe was swept away, leaving him marooned on the island amid heavy rains.

After being contacted by area leaders – including acting Kiambu Governor, James Nyoro – Kenya’s Interior ministry sent a police helicopter to rescue Musila on Sunday, 1 December.

Musila spoke about his ordeal in a media interview: “It’s been terrible over the last three days being stranded here in the cold and rain. I was hungry and went through a lot.”

He added: “There were so many mosquitoes, and I was afraid of animals like crocodiles and hippos. But I am so happy and I feel well after such a dramatic rescue. I feel like I am reborn.”