This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
On December 9, 2019, four fishermen from Kipini in Tana River County embarked on a fishing expedition in the Indian Ocean. The group consisted of Malik Mbwana, Edward Munga, Baraka Kahindi Thoya, and Juma Samuel Nzai.
However, their journey took a disastrous turn when strong winds accompanied by heavy rains forced their boat to drift far into the ocean. The fishermen were left with no choice but to endure the harsh elements for 17 days.
According to Mr. Mbwana, the boat's captain, they ran out of fuel and were left without water and food. The group spotted a Kenya Navy vessel on patrol, but their relief was short-lived as the vessel sailed away without assisting them.
Mr. Mbwana recounted the ordeal, stating, 'We asked them to help us with water and food but they would hear none of it. We pleaded for just drinking water and, despite one of us also being unwell, they just left.'
However, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Spokesman, Col. Paul Njuguna, rejected claims that Kenya Navy personnel refused to help the fishermen. He stated, 'It is unthinkable for Kenya Navy personnel to fail to attend to urgent calls for help in the ocean such as highlighted in the media report.'
The fishermen survived on dried fish and seawater, with Mr. Mbwana stating that they were lucky to have rain on the eighth day, which they used to collect rainwater for drinking.
After 17 days at sea, the fishermen were rescued by other fishermen and taken to Malindi Sub-county Hospital for medical check-ups and discharged.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation, with the public terming the action by the military personnel as a disgrace. The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) also warned fishermen against venturing into the open seas during strong winds, citing a rise in accidents at sea.
