A family in Teso North, Busia County, is grieving after their loved one, Deborah Wanyama, died following a snake bite while washing her legs at a river in Kamolo, Malaba South Ward.

What started as a simple moment by the river turned into a tragedy that no family should ever experience.

According to eyewitness Sammy Ekutia, the snake, believed to live in the river, bit Deborah on the second finger of her right hand before disappearing into the water. She was alone at the time and cried out for help, drawing the attention of nearby residents who rushed to her aid.

Deborah was first taken to Kamolo Dispensary for initial treatment and later referred to Kocholia Sub-County Hospital as her condition worsened. Sadly, the hospital did not have antivenom, the life saving drug needed to counter the snake venom.

As the poison spread through her body, her condition deteriorated rapidly.

Despite the efforts to save her, Deborah Wanyama passed away shortly after, leaving her family and the entire community in deep pain and disbelief.

This was a life that could have been saved. A family is now left with unanswered questions and lifelong grief, all because a critical medicine was missing when it mattered most.

May Deborah Wanyama rest in peace.

NOTE: The image of the snake used is illustrative and not the actual snake involved in the incident.