DCI to Summon Kenya Ferry Managing director Bakari Gowa following the death of Mariam Kighenda & Daughter Amanda

DCI goes after Kenya Ferry boss following the death of Mother & Daughter at Likoni

Mumbi Mutuko

October 14, 2019 10:19 AM

Officials summoned by DCI

Vehicle that plunged into Indian Ocean recovered from Likoni channel

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned the Kenya Ferry Services Managing director Bakari Gowa to record a statement.

Reports by by a local daily intimated that Mr Gowa would record the statement in relation to the ferry accident that led to the death of Mariam Kighenda and her four-year-old daughter Amanda Mutheu.

However, Mr Gowa said that he had not yet received official communication on when he is to appear before a multi-agency investigations team for statements.

“I have not yet be summoned but I welcome the move to investigate the tragic accident. If the police are planning to question me, I am ready. I will cooperate if I am summoned,” he said.

Kenya Ferry Services Managing director Bakari Gowa Pulse Live Kenya

Kicked off probe

The DCI is said to have kicked off investigations to establish the cause of the accident.

Confirming the summon, Likoni sub-county police commander Benjamin Rotich said: “We are still planning on when he is to appear before us and record statements."

He continued: "We are yet to set a day since we are still consulting with relevant government agencies. However, if need be, he will be summoned by detectives to shed more light on the ferry accident."

MPs want heads to roll

Mr Rotich revealed five officials of the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) who were on duty on the day when Kighenda’s car sunk into the Indian Ocean had already recorded statements.

Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Benjamin Rotich Pulse Live Kenya

"Five people have already been questioned and recorded statements. Among them are the coxswain of MV Harambee, private guards and the duty engineer on the day the accident happened,” he said.

Coastal region Members of Parliament have asked KFS and Kenya Coast Guard (KCG) officials to take responsibility for the accident.

Mumbi Mutuko