Two drown after boat capsizes in Migori

Two people drowned on Sunday when their vessel capsized while crossing River Kuja in Uriri, Migori County.

Michael Gor and Joseph Aloo were on their way to Ndhiwa after a church meeting when the boat capsized at the middle of river killing them.

Area chief Alex Odongo said the three were in the middle of the river when the ill-fated vessel suddenly overturned killing two of them.

"It is unfortunate incident because we have just lost two lives," he said adding that they were in the process to retrieve the bodies.

Charles Odhiambo, a witness who was waiting for the boat to pick him after dropping his colleagues on the other side of the river said he watched helplessly as the two were swept away by raging water.

“I watched them struggle midstream, but I could do nothing to help, they were eventually swept away as I watched,” he said.

The captain of the boat however jumped into the river and swum successfully to safety.

"He sensed danger and dived into the stream the moment the vessel was hit by water and he was able to swim to safety," said a witness.

The deceased were from a church meeting when the incident occurred.

Local administrators have cautioned residents to be careful when crossing the river more so at this time when the area is witnessing heavy rains.