ODM leader Raila Odinga has condoled with the families and friends that lost loved ones after a boat capsized in Lake Victoria on Tuesday, Homa Bay County.
The death toll after a boat capsized has now hit seven with authorities citing bad weather as the likely cause of the tragedy.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 23, 2021, Odinga urged both County and National governments to intervene noting that the families needed help with the search for the bodies that were still missing.
The former Prime Minister also called on travelers and fishermen going into the water to adhere to the safety procedure of wearing life jackets.
"The tragedy of the capsized boat in Homa Bay is turning out to be a major one, in which tens of lives now appear to have been lost.
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"I pass sincere condolences to the families and communities that have lost friends and loved ones in this accident. I wish luck to all the safety workers who are still searching for bodies of the other victims.
"The families deserve more help from county and national government authorities with the search for the bodies that are still missing and burial of those retrieved so far. The families also need help with the expenses accruing from this disaster," part of the statement read.
The scene where the boat capsized/courtesy
Odinga adds," Going forward, I appeal to all our people going into the water either as travelers or fishermen and women to adhere to the safety procedure of wearing life jackets.
Our people must take charge of their own safety by demanding to be provided with these vital items before stepping into any vessel going into the water."
Authorities have confirmed that 19 people were aboard the ill-fated boat.
Eight people were injured, with two still hospitalised while another two received first aid and were released to go home.
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