A baby elephant whose death is yet to be established was Wednesday evening found floating at a Bomet River in one of the rarest incidents.
The carcass was found stuck at the nearly submerged Sugutek footbridge at River Chepkositonik at Merigi in Bomet East by villagers.
Area chief Cosmas Towett confirmed the incident saying he was alerted about it by villagers using the bridge.
According to Towett who spoke to the Star, the calf may have drowned upstream inside Mau Forest while trying to cross.
Mau Forest Complex is the main water source for at least 12 rivers feeding into various lakes.
Reports estimate the number of elephants in the forest to be more than 500.
Appearing to rule out a case of killing, the administrator, noted that with the heavy rains in the area, chances of drowning were high.
"The water level has over the last month risen and we believe the young jumbo may have been swept trying to cross... there are no visible marks," he said.
He, however, stated that they have since notified the security officers and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) which is supposed to handle the matter.
"KWS will conduct its investigation and take necessary steps," he added.
Cases of elephants drowning are rare in the country.
They have the ability to float thanks to the honeycomb cavity found in the front part of their skull.
This is filled with air pockets that help them stay afloat.
It also keeps their bodies suspended in the water so that they can paddle and continue walking within the water.
More than 12 hours since the report was made, KWS officers based in the neighbouring Kericho county were, however, yet to visit the site.
