11-year-old pupil feared drowned in River Yala, Siaya County

An 11-year-old Grade Six pupil is feared to have drowned in River Yala in Siaya County after she went swimming with a friend while taking cows to the river to drink water.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in the Kware area of Onding Village, Uranga Sub-location, about five kilometres west of Barkalare Police Post.

The girl, identified as Ashley, was a Grade Six pupil at JM Opidah Comprehensive School.

According to a police report, Ashley had left home at about 5pm with her friend, Triza Adhiambo, after taking cows to River Yala to drink water.

The two girls reportedly decided to swim in the river before returning home. Police said Ashley removed her clothes and entered the water but was swept away by the fast-moving current.

She reportedly disappeared beneath the water and did not resurface.

The incident came to the attention of police after Ashley failed to return home, prompting her mother to report her disappearance to the authorities.

Police officers, family members and members of the public immediately launched a search operation along the river in an effort to locate the missing pupil.

However, the search did not yield any results before darkness forced the team to suspend the operation.

Police said the search was expected to resume on Monday as efforts to locate the girl continued.

The incident has raised renewed concern over the dangers posed by fast-moving rivers, particularly during periods when water levels and currents can change rapidly.

Residents in the area have been urged to exercise caution when approaching the river, especially when accompanying children and livestock to water points.

Police and members of the community were expected to continue combing the river and its banks as the search for Ashley entered a second day.