This archive report was first published on 28 December 2021.
On Thursday, a boat carrying Lamu Woman Representative Ruweida Mohamed and over 10 others capsized in the Indian Ocean near Mkanda Channel, Lamu. The incident occurred while they were returning from a sensitisation meeting on Faza Island.
According to Ruweida, two people were thrown into the ocean but managed to swim back to the boat before being rescued and taken to hospital. The group sustained minor injuries, which were treated and everyone was discharged.
Speaking to The Standard on Tuesday, Ruweida thanked Kenyans for praying for them and attributed their safe escape to God's grace. She also downplayed media reports indicating they were still in hospital, stating that all of them were safe and okay.
Ruweida has called on the government to remove the rock at Mkanda Channel to avoid future accidents. She noted that their rescue was quick because it was still daytime, and things could have been different if the accident occurred at night.
Located northwest of Manda Airport and east of Mto wa Kikoni, Mkanda Channel is a marine channel that connects Lamu Island to the far-flung islands of Pate, Siyu, Faza, Kizingitini, Mkokoni, Kiwayu, Ndau, and Kiunga.
