This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
On October 19, 2019, a tragic incident occurred when a vehicle slid off the ferry MV Harambee and plunged into the Indian Ocean, claiming the lives of Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu.
Mariam Kighenda, a resident of Gasi, Msambweni, Kwale County, was on her way home from her farm when the tragedy struck on September 29.
The vehicle was retrieved on October 11, 2019, after a 13-day search involving a multi-agency team of divers, including those from SubSea, a South African company.
Police have questioned seven people, including the ferry's coxswain, two deckhand officials, a ramp controller, and two guards from Guard Force, in connection with the incident.
The burial ceremony of the victims is currently underway in Makueni, with several leaders in attendance, including Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, his deputy Adelina Mwau, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior.
