Migori residents have called on the government to construct bridges at key crossing areas along river Migori after two students drowned.
The two students were among three boys from Nyarongi village in Suna East who crossed the river on Saturday to Kasembo village for a prayer vigil.
Nyarongo assistant chief George Owiti said one of the bodies was stuck under a bridge while the other was found in the reeds next to Nyarongi Primary School.
One of the bodies retrieved has since been identified as 17-year-old Noah Okal Owino, a Form 4 student at Mwache Secondary School.
“The bodies were picked by area divers and residents who saw them stuck on Tuesday,” Owiti said.
Residents said when water levels are low, they are tempted to cross to access villages across the river as bridges are far.
“The three had crossed and when they came back they found water levels had risen. The third student managed to swim to safety as the other two drowned,” Owiti said.
Villagers had combed the river beds in frantic search of the two bodies, since Sunday.
The bodies were taken to Migori Level 4 Hospital pending an autopsy.
“We are afraid of more accidents as students go to school across the river and traders have to cross the river between Kasembo and Nyarongi villages,” Jack Oguda, a villager, said.
Teresa Majiwa, a resident said, "We need a permanent bridge around this area to avert such a calamity. Our children are learning across and this is likely to put them in more danger. The government should swing into action and find a lasting solution.”
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
