A leisure trip to the Kenyan coast ended in tragedy after a Malaba South MCA aspirant and his sister died when a boat they were aboard capsized in the Indian Ocean.
Ken Barasa Okomol and his sister, Wakili Cynthia Barasa, both from Busia County, were reportedly on a leisure outing when strong waves hit the boat, causing it to overturn.
Boat Capsizes Near Fort
Jesus According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred in Tudor Creek, near Fort Jesus in Mombasa, as the boat was navigating the waters.
The sudden accident reportedly left those on board fighting for their lives, with emergency responders later mounting a rescue operation.
One survivor is said to have managed to swim hundreds of metres to the beach, where they raised the alarm and sought help.
Despite the efforts to rescue those aboard, Ken and Cynthia could not be saved. Their bodies were later reportedly swept ashore at Nyali Beach.
Some Passengers Rescued
Other passengers and members of the boat’s crew were reportedly rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The survivors were said to be in stable condition following the incident, although details surrounding the accident remain preliminary.
The tragedy has left relatives and friends mourning the siblings, whose deaths came during what was meant to be a leisure trip.
They were recovered and taken to the morgue as the family began preparations to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Grief in Teso North
Ken’s death is particularly painful for residents of Malaba South, where he had been seeking to serve as an MCA.
News of the siblings’ deaths has sent shockwaves through their home area of Kadakai Village and beyond, with friends, relatives and members of the community expected to gather to mourn them.
What began as a coastal getaway ended with two members of one family losing their lives, leaving their loved ones facing the difficult task of preparing them for their final journey.
The circumstances surrounding the boat’s capsizing are expected to be subject to further investigation.
May Ken Barasa Okomol and Wakili Cynthia Barasa rest in eternal peace, and may their family and loved ones find strength during this difficult time.
