Police in Bondo, Siaya County have opened investigations into the drowning of a 20-year-old herdsman in River Yala at Kayogo Village, Abom Sub-location.
The Incident
The deceased, identified as Brian Matendechere, reportedly went to graze livestock along the riverbank on Tuesday evening but failed to return home.
According to area Assistant Chief Philip Chunga, the family that employed Matendechere raised the alarm after noticing his prolonged absence. A search was immediately mounted, during which the livestock were found stranded along the riverbank, but the herdsman was missing.
Discovery and Recovery
Mr. Chunga said Matendechere’s clothes were later discovered a few metres from the river, heightening fears that he may have drowned.
The search operation was suspended overnight due to poor visibility and resumed early Wednesday morning with the assistance of a local diver. The body was eventually retrieved from the river and taken to Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination.
Police Investigations
Authorities have since launched investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. While initial reports suggest accidental drowning, police say they will explore all possibilities to determine what happened.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Brian Matendechere has cast a shadow over Kayogo Village, with residents calling for heightened safety measures along River Yala. As investigations continue, the community awaits clarity on the circumstances that led to the young herdsman’s untimely demise.
