This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On October 4, 2019, a tragic ferry accident occurred in the Likoni Channel, resulting in the loss of two lives. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability from the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) management.
Members of Parliament have given an ultimatum to the government to sack KFS boss Bakari Gowa, accusing him of sheer negligence and incompetence. The lawmakers claim that KFS is ill-equipped to handle tragedies, despite receiving millions of shillings in funding every financial year.
Transport CAS Chris Obure admitted before the National Assembly Transport Committee that the accident could have been averted had basic safety measures been adhered to. However, he refused to apportion blame, stating that the government's focus is on retrieving the bodies.
"I want to say the tragic event on Sunday is regrettable and unfortunate. It's sad we lost two Kenyans in what could have been avoided," Obure said.
On Wednesday evening, a team of volunteer divers, led by Silas Owago, was involved in an altercation with the police and government agencies. The team was eventually allowed to continue their mission after intervention from KFS chairman Dan Mwazo and human rights activists.
The police had instructed the team to step aside, but they refused, citing their commitment to retrieving the sunken vehicle. There were also claims that the team was providing false information to the families of the victims, which they denied.
