Nine people die in Lake Turkana boat tragedy

Nine people have died after a boat capsized in Lake Turkana over the weekend.
Confirming the incident, Turkana Central OCPD Joel Kirui said that the boat which was from Namukuse headed to Kalokol sank on Friday night.
Mr. Kirui said that 17 people were on board when the boat capsized.
"It is sad that we lost 9 people as they were traveling to Kalokol. Fortunately, 8 of them managed to swim to the shores of the lake and were rescued. The other nine who comprised of women and children who could not swim sank and they drowned. We were able to get 6 bodies that night and the remaining three were found on Saturday," said the police boss.
He noted that as the boat was heading to Kalokol, a baby fell into the water and as other people jumped in to save the child, the boat tilted and water filled the boat.
"It was reported that after the baby fell into the lake, some people jumped out from the boat causing the boat to lose its balance." said Mr Kirui.
The OCPD added that the boat was reported to have been overloaded.
According to a local, James Esinyen the heavy winds might have contributed to the accident.
"That evening, the wind was at a very high speed. This might have been the reason as to why the boat controller could not manage his boat. We are sad because we have lost women and children who had a bright future," said Mr. Esinyen.