Kilifi family demands justice after boy drowns in hotel pool
Police have since begun investigations, and four hotel employees were apprehended but later released on police bond.
A family’s Easter celebration ended in tragedy after their 6-year-old son drowned in a swimming pool at the Sun and Sand Hotel in Kikambala, Kilifi County.
The young boy, Dylan Waruiru, lost his life during what was supposed to be a fun holiday getaway.
His grieving family says the incident occurred shortly after a hotel staff member allegedly encouraged him to participate in swimming games with other children.
According to his mother, she was hesitant at first but eventually agreed after the staff reassured her of the child's safety.
Tragically, just moments later, she was informed that Dylan had drowned in the pool. The family is still struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
"The lady who came to pick up my kid said she had already finished entertaining the kids. My question is, why didn’t she bring the child back to me?" Peninnah Muthoni, Dylan’s mother, told Citizen Digital.
The family is holding the hotel management accountable, citing negligence as the cause of the incident.
"This isn’t something that can be overlooked; it’s outright negligence," said the boy’s grandfather, Peter Maina.
His aunt, Caroline Wairimu, also voiced her frustration: "There was no supervision at the children's pool. It feels like the safety of kids isn’t a priority. You simply pay, use the facility, and leave — that’s it."
Police have since begun investigations, and four hotel employees were apprehended but later released on police bond.
Kilifi South Police Commander, Hassan Kochalle, confirmed, "The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has taken over the case. Those initially arrested were freed on bond."
The hotel’s management has remained silent regarding the incident, even though they had earlier committed to providing a statement on the matter by Tuesday.