Two people drown in River Nzoia while harvesting sand

A sombre mood has engulfed Bakisa village, Mihuu ward, Webuye East constituency in Bungoma County after two family members drowned in Nzoia River.

The deceased, identified as Aaron Mukhwana, 37, and Protus Wafula, 17, drowned while harvesting sand.

A resident, Hudson Ngome, said that the incident has left the family in great sorrow as Mr. Mukhwana was the bread winner in his family, while Protus Wafula was a student at Masindu Secondary school.

Confirming the incident, Lukusi area Chief Samuel Nayombe asked residents harvesting sand in Nzoia River to be careful while working to avoid risking their lives.

He said that during the rainy season, the river swells and overflows hence the need for residents to be alert.

He said that the incident happened when Protus tried to rescue his uncle Aaron Mukhwana from drowning.

Nayombe announced that all sand harvesting activities in Nzoia River have since been put on hold temporarily due to the risks involved.

The bodies were collected by officers from Webuye police station and taken to Webuye mortuary awaiting burial.