This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, the Likoni ferry disaster has left many questioning the preparedness and effectiveness of the Kenya Navy.
On Sunday evening, a woman and her daughter drowned in the Indian Ocean after their vehicle reversed from a ferry and plunged into the water.
Despite the incident occurring over 14 hours ago, the Kenya Navy has yet to participate in the recovery of the bodies, sparking outrage on social media.
"Of what use is the Kenya Navy if it cannot salvage a drowned vehicle and its occupants?" one Kenyan posed.
Senator Mutula Kilonzo echoed similar sentiments, stating that the incident highlights a general lack of preparedness for accidents and emergencies.
The victims, identified as 35-year-old Mariam Kigenda and her four-year-old daughter Amanda Mutheu, were reportedly inside the vehicle when it reversed from the ferry.
Kenya Ferry Services Managing Director, Bakari Gowa, has confirmed that the parastatal does not have an emergency team of divers or lifeguards, relying instead on the Kenya Ports Authority, local divers, and the Navy for assistance.
