Suam River: The ‘people’s beach’

Visitors having great moments at the banks of Suam River. (PHOTO: BRIGID CHEMWENO/ STANDARD)

It is a hot afternoon when we arrive at Kacheliba in West Pokot County and are glad to feel the breeze from River Suam.

The river is a centre of focus in West Pokot County and locals tell us it is the only permanent river in the area, and a source of livelihood. Being at the heart of all their activities, the residents refer to it as the ‘people’s beach’.

Once at the river, we find that it is indeed a beehive of activity. We spot men, women and children taking a shower in different sections of the river while others enjoy a leisurely swim. In other parts, boda boda riders are busy cleaning their motorcyles while some car owners have their vehicles cleaned.

River Suam originates from Mt Elgo and it traverses the South Turkana plains, crossing Loturerei, a semi-arid region near Lodwar and empties its water into the world’s largest permanent desert lake; Lake Turkana.

According to Mark Riongoita, a resident, the river’s proximity has made it accessible to all.

“The river lies beside the main road hence residents and passersby quench their thirsty there. This region is generally dry and arid and because Suam is the only permanent river around, many people congregate around it,” Riongoita says.

The river is busiest on Wednesdays, which is market day at Kacheliba, and on this day people from far and wide can be seen cleaning themselves at the river.

“People who come from far off places shower during the day because they cannot wait for dusk since they need to go back to their homes. But the locals wait until evening so they can bath in the river,” Riongoita says.

Interestingly, this is the same river where locals come to fetch water for their domestic use and they can also be seen scooping water to drink.

“I come here at dawn to fetch my water for domestic use. At this time, the water is very cold so people cannot dare swim or bathe and we believe the water is clean,” says Paulina KoKibet, a resident.

Last year, concerns were raised after residents accused fishermen of using poisonous herbs to trap fish in the river.

They said this was contaminating the water and that their livestock were experiencing premature births while some had died after drinking the water.

Apart from this, there are hardly any reports of waterborne diseases coming from use of this river.