47 year old fisherman drowns in river Khalaba yesterday evening.

47 year old fisherman drowns in river Khalaba yesterday evening.

By: Timothy Makokha

47 year old father of 10 narrowly escapes death after drowning in river Khalaba in Ranje village. Lukas Wandabwa was on his daily fishing routine when he fell into the waters of river Khalaba yesterday evening at around 6.30pm.

Wandabwa survives the hard way, struggling with poverty to raise his ten children. His plea to his relatives for assistance fell on deaf ears as no one was ready to assist him. Currently he is doing fishing with has not sustained him well. It is said that hunger is the main cause of his tragedy.

Young children who were looking after cattle saw him fall into the river and rushed to the village elder’s home to report the matter. The village elder Susan Nasimiyu, went to the scene immediately and alerted other people including Mr. Daniel Wangila the red cross member who assisted them to administer first aid to the victim.

 A passerby only identified as Susan said that Lukas spends most of the time at the river banks of river Khalaba. ‘I always see him daily along this river, seems hungry and might have collapsed because of hunger’, said Susan a middle aged woman.

The village elder contacted his relatives who arrived at the scene after some time. Efforts were as well made to contact the Bungoma police for assistance without success.

It was learnt that Lukas Wandabwa collapsed due to dizziness resulting from hunger. Some said that he had wanted to sell part of his land to sustain himself but his idea was objected by members of his clan blocking him from selling land.

Two hooks and ksh.1000 were recovered from his pocket at the time when he was rescued. After administering first aid to him, the village elder and other people present advised his relatives to take him to hospital. Contrary, he was taken home with expectations that he would get better with time.