This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 20, 2017, Moi Day celebrations took place along the Kenyan coast, but for one couple, the day turned tragic.
A man and his girlfriend had ventured into the Indian Ocean for a swim at Vidazini area within Kilifi creek, but their fun was short-lived.
At around 4:30 pm, eyewitnesses, including fishermen, spotted the couple in the water. However, just a moment later, they heard the woman screaming for help.
Sharif Dzombo, who was fishing nearby, raised an alarm and called his colleagues to team up and save the 32-year-old man.
Despite their efforts, the man was swept away by strong waves and was rushed to Kilifi level 4 hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Kilifi north deputy police commander Patrick Njoroge confirmed the incident and appealed to those planning to swim in the area to be cautious of the strong winds.
According to eyewitnesses, there was no immediate transport available to rush the man to the hospital, which may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
"We did our best to rescue him in good time. There was however no immediate transport to rush him to the hospital," Dzombo said.
