A 20-year-old student from Lukenya University, Ben Maxwell Ombui, drowned on his birthday while swimming at Tsavo Inn in Mtito Andei, Makueni County. The incident has sparked grief and anger among his family, who are now demanding accountability and swift investigations.
Maxwell, an education student and the last-born in his family, had reportedly paid for food and swimming services before entering the facility. His family says what followed has raised serious concerns about the management of the hotel and the circumstances surrounding his death.
What happened after Maxwell’s drowning?
According to family spokesperson Emmanuel Mwangi, the hotel owner failed to notify the police and instead transported Maxwell’s body to the hospital using his personal vehicle. Upon arrival, medical staff confirmed that Maxwell had already passed away.
“He came and paid for the services. The owner of the hotel, to our surprise, did not call the police to pickup the body. He took his personal car and ferried the student to the hospital. Upon arrival, he was informed that he had brought in a dead person,” Mwangi explained.
The family criticized the lack of official response, questioning why the hotel continues to operate and why the owner has not been arrested. They have urged police bosses and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to step in quickly.
Why is the family demanding justice?
The family, based in Bobasi Constituency, expressed disappointment over the absence of lifeguards at the swimming facility. “We really don’t know what happened. But why were there no lifeguards to save him? What we really need is justice for our brother,” said Maxwell’s sister, Vera Meshack.
An autopsy has since been conducted to determine the exact cause of death. However, the family maintains that justice must be served and that the handling of the case by the hotel raises deeper questions about safety and accountability.
By Lucky Anyanje