Charles Wambua, volunteer retrieving bodies in Kware wins hearts

A man helping to retrieve bodies from the quarry in Kare, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, has been hailed as an unlikely hero by many Kenyans.

His name is Charles Wambua, and was the first rescuer on the scene. Charles spoke to the Habari254 YouTube channel and said that his efforts were voluntary. 

Wearing a grey t-shirt, jeans, and sandals, Wambua’s heroic act won hearts as he dangerously clung to the support equipment, trying to retrieve bodies from the quarry.

He alone retrieved 13 bodies.

Wambua mentioned that he usually works with his elder brother.

“My elder brother and I used to do this together, but he’s not around. So I decided to go ahead since there was no one else. Not everyone can be told to enter; you might end up with an additional burden,” he said, speaking of the risks involved.

Many Kenyans noticed his humble nature, which won him praise. “It’s not the first time I’ve retrieved people from there,” Wambua admitted, adding that they do unpaid voluntary work at the quarry, retrieving anything or anyone.

He said he is skilled in disaster management and rescue but lacks opportunities to earn an income from this.

“We just volunteer to retrieve them. We consider them our own people,” Wambua explained. He is trained in first aid and is also a plant operator but currently works in the informal sector.

His contact number is 0757 852 221.