6 bodies retrieved from Lake Baringo after boat capsized on Sunday

The boat capsized in the middle of Lake Baringo on Sunday afternoon while heading to Kokwa Island as its occupants headed to a church service. 

One body was retrieved on Sunday, while the six others were found at the lake’s shores on Kokwa island two days later. 

The ill-fated vessel was carrying 23 high school and grade 8 students. The excitement of the youth gathering quickly turned horrific when strong winds whipped up the lake, creating treacherous waves.

According to the Baringo County commissioner, at around 6:30 in the morning, divers found the bodies around Kokwa Island while they were on the third day of the search mission.

Survivors recounted the harrowing ordeal of the sudden turbulence, a disabled propeller, and a frantic struggle for safety.

The situation worsened when the boat's propeller became entangled in a fishing net, rendering it powerless to navigate the waters. 

Panic surged as some passengers, fearing the increasingly rough water, jumped into the lake. This unexpected shift in weight destabilized the vessel, causing it to capsize.

Amidst screams and chaos, a nearby boat emerged as a lifeline. Sixteen passengers were rescued, while six others clung to hope as a search and rescue operation unfolded.

The search by coast guards, marine police and Kenya Red Cross has now ended. 

The boat has since been towed to the shore of the lake.