This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
October 1, 2019, marked the third day of the Likoni disaster, with no rescue efforts in sight. The Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has maintained a stance of providing zero updates to the worried public, leaving many to wonder about the fate of Mariam Kigenda and her 4-year-old daughter, who were on board the vehicle that slid and plunged into the ocean.
According to sources, the vehicle sank 60 meters deeper, making the impending rescue exercise more treacherous. The KFS management has confirmed that the personnel on duty noticed the incident after it had happened, raising concerns about their level of alertness on that fateful day.
The KFS Director has allegedly admitted that the ferry service lacks the necessary equipment and personnel to respond effectively in case of such accidents. Furthermore, it is alleged that two ferries in operation at the Likoni channel are in a faulty and unseaworthy condition, posing a significant risk to passengers.
Despite these concerns, the KFS is forced to use the faulty ferries due to high demand, putting customers at risk of being stranded at the channel for hours. The Director's statement that 'another vehicle will sink and we will just watch' has sparked outrage, with many calling for immediate action to address the ferry service's shortcomings.
