Stay away from ocean, police warn as fishermen drown in Lamu and Kilifi

Security officials have cautioned seafarers and tourists to avoid the sea due to strong tides and winds that have since claimed two lives in Kilifi and Lamu.

The two fishermen died when their boats capsized in heavy tides. The warning also appeared directed to thousands of headteachers from across Kenya who are on a retreat in Mombasa.

Last month hundreds of fishermen from Pemba in Zanzibar were rescued by the Kenya Coast Guard after drifting in their small boats towards Kilifi.

Coast region police commander Marcus Ochola said fishermen were the most vulnerable to the tides as they spent the most of their time in the deep seas.

He stated that due to the emergency situation, extra maritime police officers were deployed in the sea to respond to emergencies assisted with the Kenya Defense Force (KDF) soldiers.

"We are appealing to fishermen in the oceans that the currents are high and they should not venture into fishing until normalcy returns," said the police boss.

The meteorological department has so far warned of strong winds and large waves over the Indian ocean as rainfall is expected to continue in parts of the country.

Meanwhile the Government has unveiled a new police post in Kisauni subcounty to curb rising criminal activities in the area. The new Njambere police post was launched yesterday to serve residents around Soko Mjinga, Magodoroni, Barsheba and Bakarani.

The area is suspected to be a hideout of dreaded criminal gangs that have been robbing and maiming people.

Kisauni police boss Julius Kiragu said a post police commander with rank of chief inspector has already been installed at the station. He will have a deputy and at least five police officers who will be patrolling the area in shifts.