In an incident that has left the residents of Morkeyan village in Teso Central, Busia County, in shock, the body of a 53-year-old man who had gone missing three days ago was found in a river. The man, identified as Charles Oteba, was last seen on Thursday at Simba Chai market before his body was discovered on Sunday evening in a nearby river.
Preliminary reports from the local authorities indicate that Oteba, who had reportedly been intoxicated at the time of his disappearance, may have accidentally drowned while attempting to cross the river. His body was found in the water with no visible injuries, suggesting that the cause of death may have been drowning rather than foul play.
The discovery of Oteba’s body has raised several questions and concerns among the residents of Teso Central, as well as the local authorities, who have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. While the initial assessment points to drowning as the most likely cause, investigations are still ongoing to confirm the exact cause and rule out any foul play.
A Calm and Peaceful Community in Shock
Morkeyan village, located in the heart of Teso Central, is known for its calm and peaceful atmosphere. It is a close-knit community where people are familiar with each other’s routines and daily activities. The disappearance of Oteba and the subsequent discovery of his body in such a tragic manner has sent shockwaves through the village.
According to eyewitnesses, Oteba was last seen on Thursday evening at the Simba Chai market, a popular local trading center in the area. He was reportedly intoxicated, which may have contributed to his misfortune. The community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with many describing Oteba as a friendly and helpful individual who was well-known around the market and village.
“It is very sad to lose a neighbor in such a tragic way. We saw him last on Thursday, and he seemed to be in a jovial mood, but we never imagined that something like this would happen,” said one of the villagers, who requested anonymity.
A Possible Accident
The river where Oteba’s body was found is located just a short distance from Simba Chai market, and it is believed that Oteba may have been attempting to cross it when the accident occurred. Local authorities have speculated that the man may have lost his balance while crossing the river, especially considering his intoxicated state, and fallen in. The area around the river is known to be slippery, and there are no bridges in the immediate vicinity, making it a risky spot for anyone attempting to cross on foot.
“The man may have been attempting to cross the river and lost his footing. The river has swift currents, and with the rains in the area recently, it may have been more dangerous than usual,” said a police officer familiar with the case.
Oteba’s family members have expressed their grief over the loss, acknowledging that they were not aware of his whereabouts until his body was found. “We were looking for him, but we never expected to find him in such a state,” said his close relative, who was visibly distraught.
Investigation Underway
The police have launched a formal investigation into the incident, although the initial findings suggest that no foul play was involved. According to the authorities, it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to confirm the exact cause of death and ensure that all possible explanations are explored. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the precise cause of Oteba’s death and to rule out any external injuries or suspicious circumstances.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and we are awaiting the post-mortem results to confirm the exact cause of death,” stated the area police chief. “We appeal to the public to remain calm and allow the authorities to carry out their duties without interference.”
A Lesson on Safety
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by natural water bodies, especially in areas where infrastructure is lacking. While the authorities continue their investigation, residents of Teso Central are being urged to exercise caution near rivers, particularly during the rainy season when water levels tend to rise, and the currents become stronger.
As the community comes to terms with the loss of Charles Oteba, many are reflecting on the importance of looking out for each other and ensuring that no one is left alone in risky situations, especially when under the influence of alcohol.
