Search for 6 people feared dead after their boat capsized in Lake Baringo is ongoing, Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu has confirmed.

This was after the boat that was carrying 19 people, mostly youth capsized in Lake Baringo on Sunday April 21, 2024 in the afternoon. 

However, the rescue operation that is being conducted by Kenya Coast Guard divers is being hampered by strong winds.

Speaking to TV47 on phone, the Baringo Police Commander said the boat was ferrying youth to a church in Kokwa Island, before it capsized after it was hit by strong winds.

One person died during the boat tragedy, as 12 others were rescued safely. 

Kiragu noted that victims of the boat tragedy were from Salabani location, in Baringo County.

“The boat was carrying 19 youths, 12 were rescued but one succumbed at Kokwa Island, they were going for a church function,” he said.

The police boss disclosed that they have intensified rescue efforts for the six people that are still missing, although they were encountering very strong winds on the late.

“Rescue efforts have been hampered by strong tides but some coast guard officers have already been deployed to the scene,” he said.

Meanwhile, preliminary investigations indicate that the boat capsized due to overloading, since the boat is recommended to carry a capacity of eight people.

“The boat is supposed to carry eight people but in this case, it had a capacity of 19. Such a number in one boat is way too many but we are still carrying out investigations to ascertain the cause,” he noted.

On the other hand, Ilchamus ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Wesley Lekakimon claimed that the boat may have capsized due to strong winds on the lake.