New details emerged on Sunday, October 6, about a 9-year-old son of the Likoni Ferry victim and how he broke down after the constant broadcast of her mother and sister's images by the media.
Speaking to The Standard, John Wambua, the husband to Mariam Kighenda who perished at the Likoni Channel, revealed that their eldest son, Elvin, had not learnt of his mother's demise until towards the end of the previous week.
He further added that after learning of his mother's death, Elvin was so traumatised that the Kenya Red Cross workers had to intervene and counsel him.
This came more than a week after the two plunged to their death in the Indian Ocean with their bodies yet to be traced.
“I broke the news to my son on Friday and since then it has been tough for him. It is a healing process,” narrated Wambua.
The boy received his first counselling session on Friday, October 4, and according to his father, he had been crying ever since he saw images of his mother and younger sister, Amanda, circulate in the media.
Elvin went through another counselling session on Sunday where he was joined by his grandparents.
Wambua also opened up about how he was pressured to perform rituals so that the deceased bodies could be retrieved but he did not budge.
“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.
The family had also held prayer vigils at their home since the unfortunate event with worshipers from Winners Chapel Church coming in to support the family.
The sessions were led by Pastor Samael Mwangemi who advised that they could only "seek God’s hand to intercede and comfort the bereaved."
