This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
Raila Orders Halt on Sand Mining in Likoni Amid Ferry Disaster ¶
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ordered the immediate halt on sand mining in Likoni, Mombasa, following the ferry disaster that occurred on October 5, 2019.
According to sources, Raila was in Mombasa to oversee the rescue operations of the ferry disaster victims, including Mariam Kigenda and her son Amanda, who went missing in the sea six days ago.
Speaking to the press, Raila expressed his concern over the sand mining activities in the area, stating that they were causing pollution in the sea and hindering the rescue operations.
"My view as the head of state is that this accident highlights the challenges we face in our road sector, but this is not the time for blame game, but rather a time for us to come together and console the families of the victims," Raila said.
He also commended the efforts of the Kenya Navy in conducting the rescue operations and expressed his confidence that the bodies of the victims would be recovered within the next three days, weather permitting.
Other officials who attended the meeting include the former government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, the CEO of the Kenya Ferry Services Bakari Gowa, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Coast Regional Commissioner John Elung'ata, and Kenya Navy Commander Lawrence Gituma.
The rescue operations have entered their sixth day without success.
By Yvonne Mutunga, TUKO.co.ke Mombasa Correspondent.
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