The family of Likoni Ferry tragedy victims on Sunday, October 6 disclosed rituals they have been forced to perform in order to retrieve the bodies.
Reports by The Standard indicated that John Wambua, the husband to Mariam Kighenda disclosed that he had been approached severally by people who advised him to slaughter a cow so that the bodies could be retrieved.
However, Wambua who is a steadfast Christian turned down the advances stating that he did not condone such superstitious practices.
“I have stood firm in my faith. The only blood I believe was shed to save a life was that of Jesus. I have turned down such overtures,” affirmed Wambua.
It has been eight days since the two drowned in the Indian Ocean after their car slid off a moving the MV Harambee ferry.
The family has since held prayer vigils at their home since the unfortunate event with worshipers from Winners Chapel Church coming in to support the family.
The session has since been led by Pastor Samael Mwangemi who advised that they could only "seek God’s hand to intercede and comfort the bereaved."
Most of the worshippers described Kighenda as social and hardworking, and a "strong believer in family virtues".
The family shifted their prayer meetings from the rescue centre at the beach after it became apparent the operation would take longer than expected.
According to the distraught Wambua, his only wish is to retrieve the bodies of his wife and daughter and to give them a decent burial “so that their troubled souls can get warmth”.
Initially Mariam's family had hired a private diver Musa Sila, to retrieve the bodies but he later abandoned the mission after he was barred by the government.
Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho later donated Ksh2 million for the family to hire sSouth African divers who are set to begin the operation today.
