Diver who retrieved 30 bodies from River Yala claims his life is in danger

Until two years ago, no one knew him despite offering rare services to families who lost their loved ones through drowning in the rivers.

Nicholas Okero, a local diver, sprung into the public limelight following the alleged dumping of dead bodies in River Yala.

Okero became a key figure in the retrieval of the bodies. According to Amnesty International Kenya, at least 30 bodies were retrieved from the river.

And for several months, Okero was praised by families of the deceased and condemned by security officers, who warned him against even speaking to the media and human rights groups over the controversial issue that sparked nationwide condemnations.

He revealed that some law enforcers in Yala cautioned him to be careful as there were plans to implicate him in the tragedy of the mysterious bodies.

At one time, Okero went missing over alleged intimidation and threats by police. On January 28, 2022, he was summoned to Yala police station where officers detained and interrogated him for more than eight hours.

Hiding bodies

He says that the officers claimed that he was the one who was hiding bodies in between the rocks at Ndanu Falls.

"I had to seek refuge in the neighbouring home after detectives warned that they would arrest me," said Okero.

In a phone interview with The Nairobian, Okero said he was still continuing with his voluntary work.

"I have been helping in retrieving bodies not only in River Yala but other water bodies in Siaya and beyond," he says, adding that he will not stop amid threats from security apparatus.

Okero, who buried his father two weeks ago, says he learnt the art from his father and he is happy to have helped families recover their loved ones.

Even though police have denied the claims, Okero says he has been living in fear.

"After being summoned by police, I have been under their radar and this creates more fear in me since I cannot do my things freely," says Okero.

The diver, who says that some of his neighbours who were doing the same work were killed, adds that the threats will not stop him from helping his community.

Okero, a husband to two wives and several children, says that he has been in the trade for three decades after he dropped out of school.

"I learnt this trade from my father when I was in class three. This is what I've been doing to date," says Okite.

Apart from the River Yala incident that saw him retrieve more than 20 bodies, Okite says that he has lost count of the bodies he has retrieved from the neighbouring rivers.

For Okite, who says he has not been recognized by the government for his work, there are a lot of challenges.

"Instead of being rewarded for my talent, the government has been on my neck and intimidating me," said Okero.

The diver, who says that his job is just like any other job, adds that he has never had nightmares as people think. He says that his work is appreciated by his family and he has been able to feed, dress and take his children to school.

Sh20,000 as a consultation fee

Okite, who adheres to Luo culture and traditions, tells The Nairobian that this is what has kept him staying longer in the trade.

"It is always my tradition that I don't go back home until the end of three or four days when the body of a man or woman is retrieved respectively," he explains.He adds that whenever he retrieves a body, a sheep is slaughtered and some rituals are conducted to keep off the spell.

"I always take a chicken home and slaughter it. We thereafter take it with my family as a way of cleansing myself and family," he says.

Despite the challenges and threats from security agencies, the 44-year-old appeals for recognition and if possible to be formally employed as a diver.

"I always charge Sh20,000 as a consultation fee for any family that wants my services. Payment after retrieval of a body is negotiable depending on the capability of the deceased's family," he adds.