Two students from Sibuoche Mixed Secondary School drowned in river Migori on Friday after leaving their institution to head home.
The two were in a company of their two other colleagues from the same institution when the incident happened.
On-lookers said the students passed by Church of God of Prophecy church at Jua kali shades within Migori town to see church leadership when the unfortunate incident happened.
Reverend Joshua Kangie, pastor in charge of the church, said the students always pass by the church before leaving for their homes.
“While they were waiting for church officials, the four decided to take a swim in nearby river Migori when the unfortunate incident happened, we are still in shock,” Kangie said.
On lookers said the students were enjoying swimming in the river when one of them started drowning after drifting into a deeper end of the river.
His colleague rushed in to rescue him and they both drowned.
“The other two rushed and called jua kali artisans and a group washing cars nearby who arrived, but it was so late,” Jane Akinyi, a trader said.
Search commenced immediately and one body was retrieved while the other is still being searched by the time of going to the press.
Residents said the incident was unfortunate and called on Migori county government fire department to employ divers to help in search and body retrieval.
“We have managed to retrieve the body after volunteers and members of Kenya Red Cross came in to help. We challenge the county fire department to help us next time with divers,” Albert Opiyo, a diver said.
