Boat With 5 Passengers Capsizes in Migori

A boat with five occupants capsized at River Migori in Matanda on Monday morning December 4.

The five were using the boat to cross the river when large waves carried the vessel leaving them appealing for help.

Members of the community who were running their errands near the river heard their cries for help and dived into the water to rescue them.

According to a statement shared by the Kenya Red Cross, four people were rescued and brought to the shores of the river.

However, the Kenya Red Cross deployed professional divers to search for the missing person.

"Early this morning, a boat capsized at River Migori in Matanda. Thanks to the quick response and support from the community, five individuals were successfully rescued," the statement read in part.

"Unfortunately, one person remains missing. The Kenya Red Cross and the County Government have mobilized additional divers for continued search and retrieval efforts," it added.

The river flooded following heavy rains that pounded the area in recent times.

To avoid such accidents, the Ministry of Transport led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen asked motorists to exercise caution while driving along flooded roads.

 Murkomen warned daredevil motorists who risk driving through flooded roads will face dire consequences including suspension of their licences.

“I want to put all our drivers on notice that should we find you crossing or having crossed a dangerously flooded road, we will cancel your license and even prefer charges of attempted suicide against you,” Murkomen warned.

“Do not be the reason why someone dies just because you want to rush to your next destination even when the roads are flooded. There is no hurry, you better be late for a week or even a month but save lives," he added.

According to the CS, more deaths would have been prevented if drivers avoided the risk of crossing flooded roads.