A 12-year-old girl tragically drowned on Saturday while swimming in the swollen waters of the Kipsonoi River in Bomet County.
Witnesses reported that the girl was swimming with three friends when the incident occurred. Lenny Kirui, the local chief of Chemagel, confirmed that the accident took place around 4:00 PM.
“One young girl drowned, while three others were saved by herders who heard their cries for help from a distance,” stated Kirui.
The chief further mentioned that the three rescued girls were promptly taken to Sotik Health Centre for treatment and were later discharged.
“Preliminary reports suggest that the girls had gone to the river to wash their school uniforms in preparation for the upcoming school term next week, and they decided to swim, which led to this unfortunate event,” added the chief.
Local residents have been searching the river for the girl’s body, but their efforts have been hindered by the high water levels. As of midday on Sunday, January 5, the body had not yet been recovered.
Divers from Bomet County are currently assisting in the search efforts.
