This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
Mike Sonko Offers Help to Family of Mariam and Amanda ¶
On October 17, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko announced that he would transport the bodies of Mariam Kighenda and her 4-year-old daughter Amanda Mutheu from Mombasa to Makueni for burial.
According to Sonko's communications director, Jacob Elkanah, the governor had already charitably donated to the funeral arrangements. This comes after Kenya Ferry Service had sent a Sh200,000 cheque to the family of the late Mariam and Amanda.
Elkanah further stated that Sonko plans to attend the burial and that the hearse was already set at Jocham Hospital Mortuary in Mombasa.
John Wambua, the husband of Mariam Kighenda and father to Amanda Mutheu, appreciated Sonko's support as he grieved his family.
"Sonko has not only helped me but the whole society. We are very appreciative and only God will reward him," Wambua said.
On October 12, Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana also offered his personal contribution, disclosing that the bodies would be moved to the county for burial.
The bodies of Kighenda and Mutheu were retrieved from the ocean bed on October 11, after staying submerged in the Indian Ocean for 13 days.
They died after their vehicle, a Toyota Isis, slid off MV Harambee on the Likoni Ferry channel on September 29 and plunged 58 meters into the ocean bed.
Government's chief pathologist, Dr. Johansen Oduor, confirmed that the two died of asphyxia – a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen.
Charles Onyango, Likoni Lead detective, said that they have commenced investigations into the death of the two, and have lined up the managing director of Kenya Ferry Services, Bakari Gowa, for interrogation.
