This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, the Likoni ferry disaster has left a nation in shock. A 20-second video captured the horrific moment a mother and her daughter drowned in their car, a tragedy that has stuck in the visual memories of Kenyans.
What's even more disturbing is the lack of attempts to rescue the drowning family. It's a stark reminder that there's no rescue plan in place, leaving the public to rely on divine intervention.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the competence of the transport CS and the Kenya Port Authority. The fact that more than 48 hours have passed since the incident, and the bodies have yet to be retrieved, is a testament to the incompetence of the authorities.
With the Likoni Ferry moving up to 100,000 people daily, it's shocking that there's no disaster management measure in place. The incident has highlighted the need for a working system and leaders with a conscience.
As the nation mourns the loss of the mother and her daughter, it's clear that the authorities have failed in their duty to protect the public. The incident has sparked calls for the transport CS to be held accountable and for a disaster management plan to be put in place.
During National celebrations, the authorities often showcase their capabilities to handle such incidents. However, in the face of a real-life tragedy, they seem to be nowhere to be found. The Kenya Maritime Authority, Coastguard, and Navy have all been criticized for their lack of response.
As one commentator noted, it's only because the deceased are nobodies that the authorities have not responded with the urgency that the situation demands. If a prominent person or a white family had drowned, it's likely that the bodies would have been retrieved within 24 hours.
The incident has highlighted the stark reality that the poor have no place in this country. The authorities seem to be more concerned with saving face than with saving lives.
