A bodaboda operator has died after he was swept away while trying to cross a swollen river in Khayo village, Nambale sub-county, Busia County.
The victim has been identified as 20-year-old Antony Simiyu from Sikinga village, Buyofu sub-location.
The incident happened on Saturday evening, at the notorious river Khayo bridge, which residents say has taken many lives during rains.
According to residents, Simiyu was attempting to cross the swollen river on his motorbike when the strong currents swept him away.
“The young man was ferrying two passengers from a funeral. On reaching the river, he found it flooded, and stopped briefly to allow his passengers to disembark,” said Ben Nyongesa, a resident of the area.
“We tried to advise him to allow us guide him through, but he ignored us, and instead tried to cross by himself before he was swept away,” added Nyongesa.
According to Nyongesa, Simuyu’s passengers had refused to cross the swollen river on the back of the motorbike.
Residents told Wananchi Reporting that they tried to save the rider, but the waters were too strong.
The body was recovered on Sunday morning and taken to Busia Referral Hospital.
“Many people have lost their lives on this bridge because it floods whenever it rains heavily, affecting transport and movement,” noted Nyongesa.
Residents are asking the county government to build a modern bridge at the area to avert further deaths, claiming the current bridge has claimed several lives.
