Three villagers lost their lives after a canoe they were using to cross the Mugruk River in Kisumu County capsized due to strong winds. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 15, has once again highlighted the dangers of water travel in the region.
According to police reports, four individuals were aboard the canoe when it capsized mid-river. One woman managed to survive by swimming to the shore, where she later recounted the horrifying ordeal to authorities. The deceased have been identified as Dolphine Adhiambo Omondi, 34, Nicholas Ochieng Miruka, 37, and Eldah Awino Otieno, 29. Their bodies were retrieved and taken to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where they await postmortem examinations.
Nyanza Regional Police Commander Patrick Tito stated that an investigation into the tragedy is underway. Authorities are seeking to establish the exact cause of the accident and to assess whether any safety measures were ignored.
This incident is part of an alarming trend in the region, as cases of drowning continue to rise. Police statistics indicate that they receive up to two drowning reports weekly, raising concerns about the need for better safety measures, such as life jackets and safer crossing alternatives.
Suicide Cases Also on the Rise
In a separate series of tragic incidents, two individuals, including a nine-year-old boy, died by suicide in different locations on the same day. The first case was reported in the Makongeni area of Thika, Kiambu County, where the young boy was found hanging in a wardrobe inside his parents’ bedroom. The motive behind his action remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. His body was moved to General Kago Funeral Home for a postmortem examination.
In another distressing case in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi, 47-year-old Silvya Aoko Ekeya died after ingesting pesticide. Reports indicate that she had quarreled with her children before retreating to her bedroom, where she took the fatal substance. She later sought help after experiencing severe stomach pains and confessed to ingesting poison. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed upon arrival at the hospital. Her body was transferred to Chiromo Mortuary for further examination.
Authorities and mental health advocates continue to raise concerns over the rising cases of suicide. The incidents highlight the urgent need for mental health awareness, support systems, and crisis intervention measures to curb the growing trend of self-harm.
As investigations into both the drowning and suicide cases continue, authorities urge the public to exercise caution around water bodies and seek help when experiencing mental distress.
