This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On Saturday, a tragic accident occurred in Siaya County when a motor boat capsized in River Nzoia, claiming the lives of five people and leaving four others rescued.
The incident took place at Sango in Umala sub-location, where a group of young men had boarded the boat after being given a ride by the operator.
According to Siaya Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe, the boat had come from Port Victoria and was making a turn back to the river bank when it allegedly took in water from the fast-flowing river, causing it to capsize.
Initially, the boat rider had refused to give the young men a free ride, citing the cost of fuel for the engine. However, after they agreed to pay Sh50 each, eight of them boarded the boat.
Confirming the accident, Sawe stated that the four rescued individuals, including the boat rider, were rushed to Ambira sub-county hospital for treatment.
On the fateful day, May 16, 2020, the boat capsized, resulting in the loss of five young men and the boat's engine.
By Philip Onyango
