It has emerged that the 10 Lamu passengers who died when the boat they were traveling in capsized on Tuesday had not worn life jackets.
Fifteen passengers were rescued at the Mkanda Channel. Only one of the 25 passengers had on a life jacket. The passenger was among the survivors.
Among those who died was a secondary school student in Wiyoni, Lamu.
The boat, which was heading to Ndau from Lamu town, is said to have been overloaded with 50 bags of cement and luggage before it encountered rough tides at sea and capsized.
“There is a woman who lost her two young children, while another man lost two sons,” a witness said.
There was a somber mood in Ndau village as the bodies were transported for burial yesterday morning.
All the 10 were buried together at the Ndau Cemetery in Lamu East subcounty.
Subcounty administrator Shee Kupi, who led the rescue team, yesterday said every boat passenger should wear a life jacket.
A Kenya Maritime Authority officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said more lives could have been saved had the passengers all worn life jackets.
Lamu county commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said, "We have been singing, telling people not to overload boats. We have been telling people to wear life jackets while at sea."
"It’s still a problem as many don’t like wearing them, but we will soon launch a crackdown and arrest you for endangering your own life.”
Residents have urged the county government to provide swimming lessons to coxswains so they can save passengers in case of emergencies.
The Lamu government reached out to the families of the deceased to help cater for burial costs. The amount being offered has not been disclosed.
On Tuesday, Governor Issa Timamy said the national disaster management team and the Navy arrived at the scene late.
He noted a timely response would have seen more people saved.
“My condolences to the families of those who died. We stand with them,” he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to the families, relatives and friends of the victims.
He said it was particularly sad that the incident occurred at a time when the majority of the people in the area are observing the holy month of Ramadhan.