Rescue operations are underway in Lake Baringo, Baringo County after a boat capsized on the afternoon of Sunday, April 21.
According to reports, the boat was ferrying church members. By the time of publishing this article, it was yet to be established whether any casualties had been reported.
The boat was heading from Kampi Samaki to Kokwa Island for an undisclosed reason.
Juliu Kirangu, the area Police Commander confirmed the incident to journalists adding, "I am yet to ascertain if there were casualties because what I have now is scanty information".
Initial reports were first published by news outlets from the Rift Valley region with residents hoping for a prompt response to rescue those on board.
Notably, the reason for the accident was yet to be established but some locals report that the boat experienced some challenges which led to it capsizing.
This is among the boat accidents which have been reported within the last few months with some resulting in deaths. Most of these accidents have been reported at Lake Victoria, Lake Baringo and in the Indian Ocean.
In December 2023, five people were reported dead after a boat capsised in Lake Victoria at Aneko Beach, in Migori County.
The five lost their lives after high tides hit the lake causing the boat to lose control and capsize meters away from the dock.
The Kisumu County Government and the Kenya Red Cross led a search for the other occupants.
Another incident was reported in October 2023, where five pupils from the Arap Moi Primary School in Uasin Gishu died.
The students who were set to sit for the national exams had gone for a trip at an amusement park in Eldoret where they boarded a boat on a man-made lake that later capsized.
Earlier, the Kenya Maritime Authority had advised Kenyans and tourists to be cautious while visiting the coast and other water bodies. Those using water as a means of transport are advised to adhere to safety guidelines.
