Police Boss Reveals What Caused Boat With Church Members To Capsize In Lake Baringo

One person was confirmed dead while six others were reported missing following the tragedy.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Apr 22, 2024 - 12:45 Updated: Apr 22, 2024 - 12:47
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Police Boss Reveals What Caused Boat With Church Members To Capsize In Lake Baringo
A past photo of a boat that capsized at Lake Victoria. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu revealed on Sunday, April 21 that the boat which capsized in Lake Baringo was overloaded.

Speaking to the press whilst overseeing recovery efforts, the police boss noted that strong winds on the lake which hampered rescue efforts had also contributed to the tragedy.

One person was confirmed dead while six others were reported missing following the tragedy.

Boats during a rescue operation. /TWITTER

"The boat was carrying 19 youths, 12 were rescued but a teen succumbed at Kokwa Island, they were going for a church function," he said.

All the occupants were believed to be members of the Revival Church and were travelling from Kampi Samaki to Kokwa Island.

Kiragu further indicated that rescue efforts were also affected by the state of the lake's waters which had changed colour following the heavy rains.

"As you can see the lake for now is dirty (has brown water) and is hindering our efforts to rescue the missing. We have a boat from the coast guards who are doing everything they can in the rescue mission," he stated.

Earlier, witnesses had reported that the boat experienced challenges that led to it capsizing.

Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Maiyo who visited the lake called for speedy action while urging Kenyans to exercise caution while using boats on the lake.

"The biggest challenge we have had today at Lake Baringo is that the tides were high and the water was not clear," the DG stated.

"However, we have the Coast guards who are working with our rescue missions here on Lake Baringo to ensure that the bodies are retrieved."

Boat accidents, though not often reported owing to the near-rare occurrences, have occurred at waterbodies such as Lake Victoria, Lake Baringo and the Indian Ocean.

Aerial view of Lake Baringo. /FILE

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