Philip Kemboi, a student at the University of Eldoret pursuing Education technology is a team leader of Cheploch Gorge divers. Kemboi and his team of 14 divers who are 'daredevil' youth make a living by jumping into the 70-meter deep crocodile-infested river. They say the crocodiles move away whenever water is disturbed during diving.
Tourists and students pay to watch them. Cheploch Gorge which is situated on the frontier of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties has been a stopover for people traveling along Kabarnet - Eldoret route to have a glimpse of the acrobatic and breathtaking moves the divers make before plunging into the Kerio-valley water.
Speaking to a local daily, Kemboi, popularly known as 'Waziri' a nickname he got back in secondary school said he has been doing the job for years now to raise school fees.
The youths, each earn about Sh2,000 in a good day at the expense of their lives.
"I have been diving especially during holidays when the business is at the peak," he says.
Kemboi notes that during diving, any wrong move could be fatal as they have lost two of their members during the diving. He, however, says financial problems and passion for diving have made them risk their life's.
"As a way of giving back to the community, we conduct rescue mission and recovery of bodies that have drowned across Rift Valley region and we are glad for being successful," he narrates.
Kemboi further says he responds to rescue missions when called upon even if he is attending lectures. He puts aside his studies because he knows how it feels to be in dire need of rescuing at near death experience.
The University of Eldoret student has been very instrumental and role model to many young youths.
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