By Andrew Kariuki
A 35-year-old woman has been killed by a crocodile while fetching water from River Yala in East Yimbo location within Usigu Sub-county, Siaya County.
The victim, identified as Lucy Adhiambo Ouma, a resident of Mago Village, was attacked at around 4:00 p.m. after she had gone to the river to fetch water.
According to Usigu Deputy County Commissioner Betha Onyango, the incident was witnessed by a passerby who raised the alarm after spotting the crocodile dragging the woman into the river.
Onyango confirmed that a multi-agency response team, including officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and National Government Administrative officers, was deployed to the scene. With the help of local residents, the teams managed to retrieve the body from the water approximately two hours later.
The body was later moved to Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where it awaits postmortem examination.
Authorities have since urged residents to exercise caution when accessing riverbanks, particularly during the ongoing rainy season when water levels are high and crocodile activity is heightened.
Onyango advised locals to minimize time spent near the river and warned against activities such as washing clothes and utensils at the water’s edge, noting that such practices increase exposure to danger.
Residents, led by former councillor John Obera Ombere, have raised concerns over the rising number of crocodile attacks in the area and are calling on the government to intervene and address the threat.
The incident adds to growing safety concerns in regions where communities rely on natural water sources that are also habitats for wildlife.
