The government has banned all recreational activities along the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria beaches.
Speaking on Monday, December 26, Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya stated that the new move was adopted as a precautionary measure to prevent more deaths during this festive season.
“We will not allow anyone at the beach past 5:30 pm. This decision was reached after wide consultations with different stakeholders.
“We have also directed that all the boats operating in the ocean be inspected to ensure safety. We also want all of them to have safety gear such as floaters because we have realised that some have vests that even look like reflector jackets,” CS Mvurya said.
The CS spoke after touring Diani Beach in Kwale county where he was accompanied by top officials from the Kenya Maritime Authority including its chairman Hamisi Mwaguya.
He said his ministry has engaged all security agencies to ensure compliance.
Confirming the incident, Mombasa County Police Commander Stephen Matu said the duo, a man and a woman, were close family members who had hired the boat for Christmas day celebrations.
“One of the dead people is a woman whose body was recovered moments after the drowning incident, while the body of a man was recovered around Kingston area during the search,” he said.
Matu added that six others have been rescued and are receiving treatment at a private hospital within Mombasa.
The county police boss called for merrymakers to be aware of the current strong waves in the Indian Ocean and avoid areas which can easily turn into death traps.
“I call on Kenyans and visitors visiting Mombasa to exercise caution, especially during this time. Let us stay away from activities that can easily lead to the loss of deaths and casualties,” he added.
