A mysterious, red-hot object fell from the sky into the remote Kenyan village of Mukuku in Makueni County on Monday afternoon, prompting an investigation by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), according to reports from local residents and the national broadcaster.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the KSA identified the object as a “fragment of a space object.” Described as a metallic ring measuring approximately 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) in diameter and weighing around 500 kilograms (about 1,100 pounds), the agency confirmed it to be space debris.
The agency explained that initial assessments indicate the object is likely a separation ring from a rocket. It noted that most space debris either burns up upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere or falls into the ocean, making incidents like this uncommon.
“This isolated case is still under investigation,” the KSA stated.
Local authorities, including Mbooni Sub County Police Commander Julius Rotich, reported that the object was still hot when officers arrived at the scene. Police cordoned off the area to keep curious residents at a safe distance until it cooled down.
Footage aired by the national broadcaster showed the metallic ring resting among trees and brush, with police tape encircling the area and residents observing from a distance.
The KSA has taken custody of the object and is conducting further analysis to confirm its origin.
