In a tragic incident, a 36-year-old fisherman drowned in Lake Victoria at Ngegu Beach in Rangwe Sub-County, Homa Bay County.
The incident occurred on Sunday September 1, 2024 at about 9pm while the victim, identified as Willis Oketch, alongside fellow fishermen, was preparing to embark on a night fishing expedition.
According to witnesses who were with him at the time, Oketch slipped into the waters and disappeared as the group was setting up their gear.
Despite immediate efforts by his companions to locate him, their search was unsuccessful.
Speaking to the media,the chairperson of Ngegu Beach Management Unit (BMU), Caleb Ochieng attributed the incident to a combination of risky behaviors.
Ochieng explained that some fishermen ventured onto the lake after taking alcoholic drinks and the widespread neglect of wearing lifesaver jackets.
He emphasized the need for stricter safety measures to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, residents of Ngegu Beach led by Geoffrey Osano, are now appealing to the government for assistance in retrieving the body.
They expressed frustration over the lack of adequate safety measures and rescue resources in the area, which they believe could have mitigated the tragedy.
This incident comes just three days after Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho, promised to deploy a rescue helicopter to assist in managing such emergencies on Lake Victoria, during the recent president’s visit to Homa Bay.
The timing of the tragedy has further intensified calls for swift action to improve safety and emergency response capabilities in the region.
The body of the deceased has not been recovered, but the search is ongoing.
