Families of drowning victims appeal for help weeks after East Africa Ocean Festival tragedy in Mombasa

Families of those who drowned during the East African Ocean Festival in Mombasa say they are still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy and are appealing for government support, weeks after promises of assistance were made.

The incident, which occurred during an event meant to celebrate ocean sports, left several families in mourning. Many of them say they have been left to shoulder the financial and emotional burden of burying their loved ones without much help.

For the family of Stephen Karembo, the loss has been devastating. Relatives have been forced to organise a fundraiser to cater for burial arrangements.

“Preparations are still ongoing. We plan to take his body to Kilifi on October 31 and bury him on November 1,” said Joyce Dama, Stephen’s mother.

“He was a good son and was loved by everyone in the neighbourhood. He had already prepared his passport and was planning to travel for work. Financially, we are struggling, and that’s why we are doing a fundraiser.”

She added that her son often took up casual work in their area and had been looking forward to better opportunities.

“The organisers did not prepare our children properly for the event. Even now, we are not sure who exactly was in charge,” she said.

Stephen’s grandfather, Karembo Mae, said the tragedy caught them by surprise.

“I didn’t even know my grandson had gone to participate. I received the news around 7:00 pm that he had drowned. We are asking for help with funeral expenses, food, and transportation because this was something unexpected,” he said.

His wife, Eunice Okolla, who is expectant, said the loss has left her in a difficult position.

“He was a hardworking man and the one providing for us. I am pregnant and not working, so things have become very hard. The last time we spoke, he sent me money for lunch and told me to take care of myself before going into the water. Those were his last words to me,” she said.

Richard Omondi, a friend of one of the victims, said the families hope for a proper review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

“We are urging leaders to help us seek justice for the victims and ensure such incidents do not happen again,” he said.

Presidential advisor Karisa Nzai, who visited the bereaved families, said efforts are being made to ensure the families receive the support they were promised.

“The Deputy President, the Governor and other leaders visited the scene in Tudor after the incident. I have also met the affected families as they prepare for burials and have offered what assistance we could. If any promises were made, I will follow up to ensure the families receive the compensation they are entitled to. When such events take place, all relevant institutions must work together,” he said.

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• East African Ocean Festival
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