Grief As Man Slips, Drowns While Crossing River After Heavy Rains: "Tunashindwa Kuongea"
- Shock engulfed Akobwait after 45-year-old Geoffrey Okiring slipped into a flooded river while returning home in the evening
- Witnesses said the tragedy happened in seconds, with the strong current sweeping him away as a villager watched in horror
- His body was recovered hours later after a frantic night search, leaving mourners gathered at the riverbank in deep sorrow
- Residents blamed the tragedy on the absence of a bridge, urging the county to act before more lives were lost
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Busia - Grief and shock have gripped the Akobwait sub-location after a 45-year-old man slipped and drowned while trying to cross a flooded river following heavy rains.
Source: Youtube
The victim, identified by residents as Geoffrey Okiring, met his death in the evening when he attempted to cross the river that separates Pokor, Akobwait, and Segero villages.
Locals described him as a familiar face who often used the crossing path to interact with neighbours.
The incident has left the community shaken, with many saying they are still struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
"This man who has died liked to pass here to greet us. Now we are crying, wondering how we will cope," said one resident at the scene, struggling to hold back tears.
How did Okiring die while crossing river?
Another villager who witnessed the incident said the tragedy unfolded in a matter of seconds as the middle-aged man tried crossing the stream.
"When he was coming back, on reaching the crossing point near my place, he fell into the water. It happened around 7:30 pm," the resident explained.
Efforts to rescue Okiring began immediately, but the strong current, heavy rains and lack of advanced equipment made it impossible to save him.
Residents launched a search through the night as fears grew that the raging waters had swept him further downstream.
After a long search, Okiring's body was found and the local police were alerted, who came and collected his remains.
"So this morning, we found him dead and reported to the authorities. They came, collected the body, and took it away," villagers said, sorrow visible in their eyes.
Mourners at the riverbank whispered as they gathered in small groups, reflecting the grief that had befallen them.
Why are Busia locals calling out the govt?
Locals said the absence of a strong bridge had long turned the river into a death trap, especially during the rainy season.
Source: UGC
Every downpour swells the river, cutting off movement between the three villages and exposing residents to danger.
They say the government’s failure to provide a safe passage has left the community exposed, forcing residents to risk their lives daily in search of education, work, or even basic social visits.
“Schoolchildren cross here to Segero, and others come from there to Kwaiti. How will they be helped now?" they lamented.
How did Kirinyaga man drown?
In another tragic incident, a 20-year-old man drowned while swimming with a friend at Ngumbatha Falls along the Thiba River in Kirinyaga County.
The victim, identified as Adrian Wachira, reportedly did not know how to swim and had earlier expressed hesitation about entering the water. When his friend saw him struggling, they raised the alarm.
Responders recovered his body after 39 minutes and alerted police.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
