Mombasa: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has released Sh3 million in government support to help with burial arrangements that had stalled due to financial constraints to three families who lost their sons in a tragic boat incident during the East African Ocean festival in Mombasa two weeks ago. The accident occurred as the boat carrying 22 participants capsized when it neared the finish line. The vessel overturned suddenly, prompting a frantic rescue effort that saved 19 people. The festival was immediately suspended following the tragedy.
According to Kenya News Agency, after a frantic three-day search, the bodies of the three participants who went missing were retrieved through a coordinated multi-agency operation led by the Kenya Navy. Prof Kithure Kindiki visited the scene to console grieving families and pledged government support to ensure the victims receive a dignified send-off. Two of the deceased will be buried in Homa Bay County, while one will be buried in Kilifi County.
The families who lost their loved ones expressed their profound gratitude to the government through the donation of Sh3 million by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, which will enable them to accord their loved ones a befitting send-off. The families gathered at Mikindani Social Hall to receive the government support. They couldn't believe that the donation had been made, as burial arrangements had reached a dead end, but thanks to the government support, that will now ensure a seamless plan for the funerals.
'What remains now is the burial. We thank them as a family because it hasn't been easy. If we had finalised the money required for the burial, we could have buried since last Friday, but God's plan has been achieved,' said Ziro Kasha, an uncle to one of the victims. Another relative, Biash Akoo, said the families had struggled to raise funds for the burial until the government stepped in with the donation.
Jomvu MP Bady Twalib, who received the Sh3 million from the Deputy President on behalf of the families, lauded the support, saying it would ensure the victims are laid to rest with dignity. 'They will now get a decent burial. He has stood with us, and a friend in need is a friend indeed,' stated the MP.
Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced new safety measures to prevent similar tragedies during future water sports competitions. Organisers will now be required to notify the County Government, while the County Security and Disaster Committees will oversee such events. 'Another proposal is for organisers to have insurance indemnity. Even with all safety requirements in place, if disaster strikes, insurance will ensure our people are not left distressed and struggling to raise money,' said the Governor.