7 Dead, Including 3 Daughters and Brother of Lekikenyi Family, in Kenya Boat Tragedy

On April 23, 2023, a boat carrying 23 members of a church overturned in Lake Baringo, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of 7 people, including 3 daughters and the brother of a pastor named Jane Kikenyi.

The victims were among a youth mission group from the Kokwa Island Church that was visiting the Kabukoki Revival Church when their boat's propeller became caught in a fishing net, causing the vessel to overturn.

Kikenyi, a pastor of the Revival Church Salabani, was originally supposed to accompany her four children on the trip but received a last-minute call from her bishop to attend a meeting in Kabarnet. The boat accident claimed the lives of Kikenyi's daughters Abigael, Ruth, and Martha, aged 14, 12, and 9, respectively, while her first-born son survived the tragedy. The only adult accompanying the youth group on the fateful day was Millicent Lekimanti, 27, who also perished in the accident.

Sixteen students were rescued, but the bodies of the 7 victims, including Kikenyi's 3 children and her brother Denis, were recovered after a 3-day search and rescue operation involving a multi-agency team. Investigations revealed that an abandoned fishing net had become entangled in the boat's propeller, leading to the tragedy amidst strong winds and waves on the lake.

Why this matters: The Lake Baringo boat tragedy highlights the importance of maritime safety regulations and the need for increased compliance to prevent such devastating accidents. The loss of young lives and the impact on families like the Lekikenyis emphasize the urgency for authorities to enforce safety measures and ensure the well-being of passengers on Kenya's waterways.

The Lekikenyi family is now struggling to cover the morgue expenses and provide a proper burial for their loved ones. "My children were Christians who loved the word of God, and now God has them with him," expressed the devastated mother, Jane Kikenyi. The Baringo deputy governor has urged boat users to exercise caution on the lake due to the unclear waters and strong waves, as the search for the missing teenagers continues through the multi-agency effort.

Key Takeaways

• 23 church members' boat overturned in Lake Baringo, Kenya, killing 7.
• Victims included 3 daughters and brother of pastor Jane Kikenyi.
• Boat's propeller caught in fishing net, causing it to overturn in strong winds.
• Authorities urged to enforce maritime safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.
• Lekikenyi family struggles with funeral expenses for their lost loved ones.