5 dead after a boat capsizes in Siaya
By Eric Juma, December 29, 2025Two fishermen survived after a boat capsized at Sanda Usoga in Lake Victoria, killing five people who were on a fishing expedition on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
It is reported that the boat was struck by heavy tides at Usoga in Lake Victoria on Sunday night, December 28, 2025. According to Yimbo West Ward MCA Simion Angule, seven fishermen had left the shore and ventured deeper into the lake to lay fishing nets.
They hoped to catch fish, sell them and use the proceeds to buy items for their children ahead of the reopening of schools in January 2026.
The group was on a fishing expedition when their vessel was overwhelmed by strong waves.
“The performance of the students in the recently released results prompted their fathers to forgo holiday celebrations and go fishing so as to raise funds that would enable their children to report to their new schools next year with the items required by school management,” Angule said.
Two of the seven fishermen swam to safety. Angule said it was by the grace of God that they survived, as they held on to two fuel jerry cans that were on the boat.
Eyewitness account
Witnesses described moments of panic and chaos as rescuers scrambled to save the fishermen.
Angule said the search for the missing bodies was ongoing and urged both the Siaya County Government and national authorities to assist in the recovery efforts.
Families of the missing fishermen pitched tents along the shore from Sunday night, with two bodies already retrieved.
“Families of the missing youths have been keeping vigil at the shores of Sanda, holding on to hope amid growing anxiety as rescue operations entered the second day,” he said.
The bodies, one from Nyamonye and another from Sanda Usoga, were taken to the Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem examination.
Holding portraits of their loved ones at the shores of Lake Victoria, family members held prayers, invoking the name of the Lord.
“Tears rolled freely among some of the families who lost their kin as they watched short clips of them during the Christmas celebrations,” Angule added.
“I did not know that we were having our last Christmas celebrations with our father,” one of the mourners said.
Calls for safety
Angule further cautioned fishermen to prioritise safety, stressing the importance of wearing life jackets during fishing activities.
Initial reports have raised concerns over safety measures, with some alleging that many fishermen sit on vessels without proper safety equipment.
“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” said a senior official involved in the investigation. “Our priority remains the recovery of the missing and establishing exactly what went wrong.”
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda visited the scene of the boat tragedy to console the families who lost their loved ones.
The MP’s visit was a show of solidarity and support for the grieving families during this difficult time.
“I am here to convey my condolences to the bereaved families and to stand with you during this difficult time, even as measures are put in place to ensure the missing loved ones are retrieved,” he said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also expressed deep sorrow following the tragedy, sending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In his message, the governor acknowledged the pain of losing loved ones so suddenly and assured the affected families of his administration’s support during this difficult time.
Further updates are expected as the search for the remaining three victims continues.