![The five were part of a nine-member team that were on a mission to retrieve the body of their colleague, who had drowned in the river late last week. [PHOTO | COURTESY]](https://i0.wp.com/www.k24tv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BOAT.jpg?resize=730%2C414&ssl=1)
By Mary Goretty Juma in Siaya County
Five people drowned in River Nzoia, Siaya County on Saturday, May 16, after the boat they were travelling in, capsized.
The incident happened at 1pm at Sango area in Asere Village in Umala Sub-Location, Central Ugenya within Ugunja Sub-County, the area assistant chief, Grace Anyango Oloo, told K24 Digital.
The deceased include: Kennedy Odhiambo Ojude, Bernard Idiot Masawa, George Oduor Audi, George Ojwang Orecho and Joseph Omondi Ochieng.
The five were part of a nine-member team that were on a mission to retrieve the body of their colleague, who had drowned in the river late last week.
Four others, including Collins Ogutu Asango, Edwin Wasonga, Wilson Odhiambo and the helmsman, were rescued and taken to Ambira Sub-County Hospital.
Doctors at the facility told K24 Digital that the helmsman was in critical condition, whereas the other three were in stable health.
Confirming the incident to K24 Digital, Siaya County Police Commander, Francis Kooli, said a search mission has been launched to retrieve the five bodies.
Kooli said the nine occupants of the boat, aged between 20 years old and 30 years old, had travelled from Port Victoria to Central Ugenya, a distance of 49 kilometers.
