The Sonko Rescue Team will today Friday transport by road the remains of a mother and baby who perished at the Likoni Ferry crossing channel.
The bodies of Mariam Kighenda and her four-year-old daughter Amanda Mutheu will leave the Jocham Hospital Mortuary in Mombasa on Friday night and arrive in Makueni on Saturday morning.
The two, who drowned two weeks ago after their vehicle plunged into the Indian Ocean, died of suffocation -according to postmortem results.
Governor Mike Sonko offered to have his rescue team allowed to carry the bodies and participate in burial arrangements.
“We have agreed with those in charge of the burial arrangements to transport the bodies and play any other possible role in the burial arrangements,” Sonko said.
The vehicle carrying the remains will be accompanied by a free mobile clinic van.
Meanwhile, the Governor has called on Kenyans to strictly adhere to rules and regulations for ferry users.
Sonko has also called on the Kenya Ferry Services to match their safety regulations with those practiced Internationally in other Countries.
The Governor said the Parastatal has been operating carelessly.
“We should not take anything for granted going forward and KFS should benchmark with Countries that have similar services,” Sonko said.
He has advised KFS to consistently conduct civic education about Ferry Services.
The Governor also called on Kenyans to support the government in its efforts to improve Ferry Services and the capacity to react to emergencies.
“The incident may have unmasked some shortcomings in terms of disaster preparedness but that should not give room for harsh criticism of the government. This is the time to ventilate on the loopholes we all saw and see what can be done,” he said.
John Wambua, husband to the late Kighenda, thanked Sonko for the good move.
“Sonko has not only helped me but the whole society. We appreciate and only God will reward him,” he said.