Chaos erupted at the Likoni Ferry on the evening of Thursday, March 26, as police officers were instituting President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive aimed at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus.
A report by Daily Nation revealed that several people were injured during the stampede in which a number of residents hurled stones at Police officers.
Uhuru had announced that Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) and the National Police Service (NPS) would take over operations at the ferry.
“With immediate effect, the management of the ferry shall be performed by the Kenya Coast Guard Service, the National Police Service and national government administration officers,” stated Uhuru.
The directive was to be enforced by Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, the Coast Guard bosses and local police chiefs.
Just hours after the president made the announcement, a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers took positions at the ferry to oversee the exercise.
On the morning of that day, the order was reported at the ferry after the officers oversaw the exercise. The commuters followed orderly lines while boarding the ferries.
Part of the changes required the commuters to be ferried in vehicles to ensure social distancing.
“In view of the challenges experienced in maintaining the recommended social distance in the ferries, it is directed that, with effect from today, PSVs be allowed to ferry passengers on board provided that they strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by Health ministry with respect to the fight against the coronavirus outbreak,” Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia had earlier directed.
More than 300,000 people get ferried at Likoni by four vessels every day.
