Government finally offers help, 2 days after tragic Likoni ferry accident involving Mariam Kigenda

The government will help the family of Ms Mariam Kigenda who drowned with her daughter on Sunday, Government Spokesman Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna has announced.

In a statement released to newsrooms two days after the tragic incident, the spokesman stated that the government had been in contact with the family.

"This was an unfortunate incident and as Government, we condole with the bereaved family and we wish to state that we have been in contact with the family and we will provide any assistance that the family may need," the statement read in part.

Locals gathered to watch retrieval of car that sank at the Kilindini channel with Mariam Kigenda and her daughter on board. Government pledges support Locals gathered to watch retrieval of car that sank at the Kilindini channel with Mariam Kigenda and her daughter on board. Government pledges support Pulse Live Kenya

Kenya Navy, Coast Guard, KFS and others working round the clock

Oguna disclosed that a team comprised of Kenya Navy, Kenya Ferry Services, Kenya Coast Guard Service and the Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute is working on the recovery of the bodies of Ms Mariam Kigenda and her daughter Amanda who were in the vehicle when it went into the water.

"The team has been working round the clock since the incident. It is unfortunate that recovery efforts are still on-going. The efforts have, however, been affected by weather, the strategic nature of the channel...together with heavy traffic into Mombasa Island," Oguna's statement outlined.

Mariam's husband, John Wambua, recounted his last moments speaking with his wife right before she plunged to her death.

"I had spoken to my wife at about 6.15 pm before she boarded the ferry. She complained about the long queues. I tried to call for the second time, but I could not reach her, and that is when I decided to rush to the Likoni Ferry to find out what could have happened to her," he told reporters.