A somber mood has enveloped Lumbwa Village in Sitikho location, Webuye West Constituency, following the tragic drowning of a middle-aged man, Cheloti Kuloba, in the treacherous waters of River Nzoia.
The heartbreaking incident occurred three days ago while Kuloba was fishing in the river, which has recently seen a dangerous rise in water levels due to heavy rains. His family, along with the entire community, has been left in anguish as efforts to recover his body remain unsuccessful.
Chief Emmanuel Murokoyo of Sitikho location confirmed the tragedy, stating that despite relentless efforts, Kuloba’s body has not yet been located. The Chief has called upon the Bungoma County Government and humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, to assist the family in the search and recovery operations.
Plea for Caution Amid Rising Waters
Chief Murokoyo has urged the local residents to exercise extreme caution around the river, especially during this season when flooding is prevalent. He emphasized the importance of reporting any signs of the body to nearby authorities, saying, “Anyone who sees the body floating should immediately report it to the police or administrative office.”
Environmental Concerns Raised
Chief Murokoyo also highlighted the need for climate action, encouraging residents to plant more trees to combat the effects of climate change. He stressed that these environmental changes have significantly contributed to the rising water levels of River Nzoia, increasing the risk of drowning incidents.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic drowning has left the village in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing their grief over the loss. “Kuloba was a kind man and a hardworking fisherman. It’s heartbreaking that his life was cut short in such a tragic way,” one of the villagers lamented.
