Two youths feared dead in River Sagana swimming tragedy

The two, a 16-year-old Form Three student from Gakindu village and a 21-year-old youth from Kinji village, are believed to have been swept away by strong currents while swimming in the river.

The incident disrupted normal activities in the area, with many residents abandoning church services to join search efforts along the riverbanks.

Families, villagers, local divers, and police officers from Sagana Police Station have been combing the area since Saturday night in a bid to recover the bodies.

The mother of the 16-year-old student said her son had accompanied a friend earlier in the day and failed to return home.

She said she received a call from relatives at around 10 pm informing her that the boy had been swept away by the raging waters.

“I could not believe it. I am still in shock,” she said.

She added that she had given her son Ksh 400 to buy part of his school uniform, money she later found intact in the pocket of the clothes the boys had left by the river.

“He was also supposed to pass by a local greengrocer to pick items so I could cook for our church. Now all that is history,” she said, tearfully.

In Kinji village, the family of the 21 year old described the moment they received the news as devastating.

His parents said they were informed at about 9 pm by the village administrator.

“It was our worst nightmare. The pain and shock were overwhelming,” the young man’s mother said as she broke down. The family later found his clothes near the river, reinforcing fears that he had drowned.

Local residents said search efforts have been hampered by strong currents and difficult underwater conditions.

Divers who initially assisted were forced to suspend operations after failing to locate the bodies.

“This is an incredibly painful and difficult moment for the community and the affected families,” said one resident involved in the search.

Villagers from Gakindu and Kinji have appealed for additional support and resources to aid the ongoing operation, expressing hope that the bodies of the two youths will be retrieved to allow their families to begin burial arrangements.