Man spends nights and days on banks of River Nzoia as Luhya traditions forbids him from leaving until friend’s body is found

Asman Ochieng has been forced to spend days and nights along the banks of River Nzoia all because of traditions. The man is forced to stay by the river bank because he witnessed his friend drown in the river.

Patrick Mchego drowned in River Nzoia while crossing in a canoe alongside Asman Ochieng. The canoe capsized after it was hit by strong waves.

Ochieng managed to swim to safety but unfortunately Mchego drowned. Luhya community living in the area believes if Ochieng goes home before his friend’s body is found his family will die.

I am left alone with my God

Ochieng has been living along the bank of River Nzoia since the accident happened. Mchego drowned a week ago and Ochieng won’t leave the spot until the deceased’s body is found.

The poor man is also not supposed to bathe or change clothes he was wearing when the incident occurred. His family brings him food but at night he’s left alone.

“During the day my family members come here to keep me company and always ensure that I eat. At night I am left alone with my God,” Ochieng was quoted by Standard.

A cock and a male goat must be slaughtered

Ramadhan Rajab – the owner of the canoe that capsized claims that someone used witchcraft to make the vessel sink. He reveals that he has been using the vessel for 40 years without any incident.

Rajab says that certain rituals must be performed when Patrick Mchego’s body is found. He explains that a cock and a male goat must be slaughtered to to appease the spirits.

“If the body is found, the family members of the dead man and Ochieng will have to slaughter a cock and a male goat to appease the spirits before taking the body for burial in Uganda where he comes from. They will have to eat the meat from the exact place the boat capsized,” said Rajab.