This archive report was first published on 15 June 2021.
On June 15, 2021, a 12-day search for the body of Stephen Sila, a 14-year-old Class Six pupil, ended in vain after he was attacked by crocodiles while fetching water at Kwa Metho, Kitise, in Makueni County.
Stephen Sila, a pupil at Athiani Primary School, had gone to the river with their two donkeys to fetch water. It is suspected that he was attacked shortly after filling all the jerricans with water.
According to villagers, Sila's shoes were found where he was fetching water, fuelling fears that he may have been killed by crocodiles that have infested Athi River.
His parents waited for his return in vain long after the donkeys returned home without him.
Area assistant chief Musembi Mutuku said, 'He had gone to fetch water alone. His parents waited for his return in vain long after the donkeys returned home without him. His shoes were found at the point where he was filling his jerricans.'
Despite the search efforts by trained divers, Sila's father, Fredrick Sila, remains hopeful that he will one day get part of his son's body or a piece of cloth to bury, which would give him peace of mind.
Residents have decried constant attacks by hippos and crocodiles, which have killed many people and left others maimed.
