This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On October 5, 2019, Raila Odinga issued a directive for the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to stop dredging until the bodies of Mariam and Amanda were retrieved. The move was met with criticism from some leaders who claimed Raila had overstepped his authority.
However, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, known for his vocal criticism of Raila and his allies, surprisingly announced his support for the directive. In a statement, Murkomen praised Raila for giving a 'brave order' that would aid the efforts of agencies responsible for retrieving the bodies.
According to Murkomen, the order was long overdue and would help fasten the mission. 'If by stopping the dredging the issue can be addressed, so be it,' he asserted.
Murkomen also criticized those who were focusing their energy on criticizing the directive instead of finding a lasting solution to prevent such tragedies in the future.
After a day of defiance, KPA eventually bowed down to the order and stopped dredging as instructed.
