7 drown in raging Homa Bay floods

Seven people including a seven-month-old baby were killed in Homa Bay County as they crossed various bridges on Friday night following heavy rains.

Rivers Chak, Awach Tende and Oluch burst their banks due to the heavy rains that have been pounding the area for the past two weeks.

The bridges are in Gondo area and Kotieno in Rangwe sub county.

At the bridge in Gongo Location, four people were swept aside as they returned home from Onjinyo market in Rangwe sub county.

County police commandant John Omusanga said the four include a 60-year-old grandmother identified as Clementina Ojijo, George Muga 52, Hellen Onyango, 48 and Mary Odhiambo, 27. One other body was found floating in River Awach Tende. The victim is yet to be identified, police said.

Mr Omusanga said the incident occurred at 7pm when the victims were on their way back home from Onjinyo market in Ragwe sub-county.

He said that three other people who were in their company however escaped death narrowly and were rushed to Matata Nursing home in Oyugis where they are undergoing treatment.

In East Gem, Rangwe Sub County, on the same night, two people also lost their lives along River Chak near Omoche.

LOST THE BABY

Area assistant chief Benson Atudo identified the deceased as Hassan Owuor,13, Maurice Owino, the seven-months old baby was being carried by the mother, Rose Owino who was however unable to withstand the fast flowing water and eventually lost the baby to the raging flood.

“The mother and the husband Victor Owino however swam to safety,” Mr Atudo said.

According to the police, the two victims were recovered four hours later after a search by villagers.

Mr Omusanga urged those residing along the river banks to be weary of the heavy flooding and to avoid incidences where they risk crossing bridges when it’s raining.

“We appeal to people living around Kobala and Wangchien in Rachuonyo sub county to be alert as river Miriu continues to swell following heavy rains,” he said.