Nyalenda Mixed Secondary Student Drowns During School Trip to Mbita

A 19-year-old student from Nyalenda Mixed Secondary School in Oyugis drowned on Sunday, June 21 during a school trip to Mbita, Homa Bay County.

Levis Ouma, a Form Four student, drowned because of strong waves and under water current.

The tragedy occurred at the Mbita–Rusinga Bridge, where a group of students had gone for a leisurely swim in Lake Victoria after attending the Homa Bay County Music Festival at Mbita National School.

Police said the student was swept away by strong underwater currents shortly after entering the water with other schoolmates. The area is known for dangerous currents that often make swimming risky.

Officers from the Kenya Coast Guard Service based in Mbita have launched a search operation. The student's body was later retrieved from the lake.

School officials and police are expected to issue further updates as the search continues, our reporter Gerald Manyatta reports from Mbita.