Ferry family records statement, autopsy on Tuesday

A member of the family that lost a mother and daughter in the September 29 ferry tragedy has recorded a police statement as investigations gather pace.

This brings to six the number of people who have recorded statements about the accident that highlighted the need to improve and enforce safety measures by the Kenya Ferry Services.

Likoni police boss Benjamin Rotich told the Star on Monday that more people will record statements if necessary.

“Today, one family members is recording a statement as we speak,” Rotich said on the phone.

It is understood to have been widower John Wambua.

Wambua lost his wife Mariam Kighenda and four-year-old daughter Amanda Mutheu when their car plunged from the MV Harambee ferry into the ocean mid-stream. There were no working restraints.

Their bodies were recovered last Friday, 12 days after their death. A multi-agency team was formed to find them.

Mother and daughter were found in an embrace in the back seat of the car.

Earlier they had gone to their Kwale farm to harvest vegetables — their Sunday routine.

The government pathologist was not available on Monday as planned to perform the postmortem at Jocham Hospital.

A hospital employee said the post-mortem would have to be postponed until Tuesday.

"We normally prep the bodies for post-mortem by 3pm. We don’t do it past that time,” said the staff member said.

Rotich said investigators are waiting for the post-mortem report that will reveal the exact cause of death and other crucial information.

“We will also have to get a report from the Kenya Maritime Authority before we establish what action will be taken against whom,” Rotich said.

A family member told the Star the burial date will be decided after the bodies are handed over.

They are to be buried in Kiima Kiu, Kathonzweni ward, Kilome constituency, Makueni county.

Meanwhile, Mayfair Insurance Company yesterday lodged a claim.

The family had taken comprehensive insurance cover last December and it will lapse in December.

“When we got the notification we responded immediately,” the insurance company said.

(Edited by V. Graham)