Scenery famous for ‘swallowing’ people every year

By  MOSES NYAMORI

It is a breathtaking scenery that has attracted tourists both locally and from far, earning the Biribiriet Location residents revenue.

But Chepkiit waterfall on Kipkaren River in Uasin Gishu County has also reared its ugly side; that of a death trap to both visitors and to the locals who initially viewed it as godsend source of income.

According to the locals, the waterfall which is located immediately past Moi International Airport, has ‘swallowed’ many people leaving them pondering on what action should be taken to stop more deaths.

‘Chepkiit’ in Kalenjin means ‘view from far’ and that is probably what those visiting the site have disregarded as they clamber on the treacherous rock surface.

Recently, 42 students accompanied by their teachers visited the place for a school trip.  Unknown to them, however, was that they would lose one of them at the site.

African Institute of Research and Development Studies (AIRADS) lost William Onyango, 21, a second-year student pursuing a Pharmacy course.

To the locals, the wild waters have been ‘swallowing’ one person every year.

It is barely two months after a fourth-year Moi University student died at the same scene during a picnic with fellow students.

Geoffrey Kirui, 20, slipped into the wild waters while trying to behold the serene environment which is more impressive during the rainy season; and which is enhanced by the presence of woodland.

According to Albert Kosgei, a local, seven people have died in the ‘wild waters’ in a span of six years.