This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
On Sunday evening, a car carrying a mother and daughter plunged into the Indian Ocean along the Mombasa's Likoni Channel, leaving the two passengers trapped inside. Three days later, a multi-agency team has yet to retrieve the vehicle, sparking widespread criticism of the Kenya Navy's response.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had taken to Twitter to promote the Nairobi International Trade Fair, using the phrase 'Welcome to Kenya.' However, Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) hijacked the phrase to express their frustration with the Kenya Navy's inaction.
Netizens took to social media to express their outrage, with some questioning the effectiveness of the Kenya Navy's budget. @jonymungai tweeted, 'Welcome to Kenya where we have huge budgets for Kenya Navy, Maritime Authority and Disaster Management Authority, but can't even help in saving two lives.'
Others criticized the Kenya Navy for rehearsing for the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations while a family was struggling to survive in the ocean. @DavisWispers tweeted, 'Welcome to Kenya where people stood helpless as Mother and child, Amanda drowned into the Indian Ocean where just 100m from the site the Kenya Navy was preparing for Mashujaa day celebrations.'
Kenya Navy's failure to act quickly has also raised questions about the country's preparedness for emergencies. @richiestorn tweeted, '#LikoniFerryTragedy Kenya is a very sick country. I watched on TV this guy say that it was getting dark and rescue operations would continue in the morning. Does it mean that if Kenya was attacked by enemies at night the Kenya Navy would only respond the following morning?'
As the search for the drowned mother and daughter continues, many are left wondering if the Kenya Navy is truly equipped to handle emergencies.
