All the ferries operating at Likoni channel are in a poor state and could cause tragedies if urgent measures are not taken, Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr has said.
Documents tabled in the Senate indicate that MV Kilindini, MV Kwale, MV Nyayo, MV Harambee and MV Likoni do not meet international safety regulations.
“I have it on record that the ramps commonly referred to as prows are not functioning,” Mutula told Senate on Wednesday.
His report comes a month after the death of Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu whose car plunged into the ocean after it slipped from MV Harambee.
Their vehicle plunged into Indian Ocean from MV Harambee, and their bodies would be recovered 13 days later after intensive search mission under Kenya Navy.
According to the Makueni senator, the death of the two could have been easily avoided. He accuses Kenya Ferry Services of negligence.
“It is now clear that had the ramp of MV Harambee been functioning properly, the death of Mariam and her daughter Amanda on September 29 could have been avoided,” said Mutula.
The second term senator demanded that EACC investigates Kenya Ferry Services over financial impropriety and possible negligence.
“This is a matter of national concern that should be taken up immediately and investigations conducted through the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) on the conduct of the management of KFS to establish the veracity of claims against it and to take legal action for the loss of the lives of Mariam and Amanda,” he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta sacked all Kenya Ferry Services board members days after the Likoni channel tragedy. They are yet to be replaced.