Two cousins drown while bathing in river Lusumu in Kakamega - Kahawatungu

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

Two children aged seven and 10 drowned while bathing in River Lusumu in Mumias East, Kakamega County, on Saturday evening.

The deceased were aged 10, a Grade Three learner at Kamashia Comprehensive School, and 7, a Grade Two learner at St Peter’s Mumias Primary School.

The two, who were cousins, drowned at Mululi Village in Kamashia Sub-location at about 7:30pm on August 22, 2026, according to police.

Police found the bodies of the two boys floating in River Lusumu. They were retrieved from the water and examined, with officers reporting that there were no visible injuries.

Preliminary investigations established that the two cousins had gone to the river to take a bath when they were apparently overpowered by the force of the water and drowned.

The bodies were moved to St Mary’s Mission Hospital mortuary, where they were preserved pending postmortem examinations.

Police and local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

Elsewhere, a 16-year-old boy is feared to have drowned in Lake Victoria after a boat carrying three juveniles capsized near Jackpot Beach in Suba South, Homa Bay County.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at about 3:56pm, according to police.

Police said the three were aboard a boat ferrying firewood when it capsized as they approached the area near Jackpot Beach.

Two children rescued shortly after the accident and were reported to have fully recovered.

However, one remained missing and was feared to have drowned.

Police responded to the incident and visited the scene as the search for the missing teenager continued.

Local residents and other responders were also involved in efforts to locate the boy.

Police said the search operation was ongoing as authorities worked to establish the circumstances that led to the boat capsizing.

And police in Bungoma Central are investigating the death of a 35-year-old woman whose body was found floating in River Khalaba on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Hellen Chelimo, was discovered in the river at Namosi area, Kisiwa Sub-location, Kisiwa Location, Bungoma County.

Police officers visited the scene.

According to police, the body was discovered by a man, who was crossing River Khalaba from Namosi towards the Marakaru area.

Members of the public told investigators that Chelimo, who hailed from Kisiwa Village, was last seen alive on August 17, 2026.

The body was retrieved from the river and examined at the scene. Police reported that it had multiple visible injuries on the face, stomach and knees, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

The scene was processed and documented by investigators before the body was moved to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary.

A postmortem examination is expected to establish the cause of death and help detectives determine whether the injuries were sustained before or after the woman entered the river.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Chelimo’s death are ongoing.

Reporting originally appeared via Kahawa Tungu. Read the full source for additional context.