Busia political aspirant Ken Barasa Okomol and his sister, Wakili Cynthia Barasa, have died after a leisure boat they were traveling in capsized in the Indian Ocean.
Okomol, who was an aspirant for the Malaba South MCA seat, was a resident of Kadakai Village in Kamolo Division, Teso North, Busia County.
According to reports, the incident occurred along the Nyali-Fort Jesus stretch in Mombasa after the boat encountered strong waves during a leisure trip.
One survivor reportedly swam hundreds of meters to the beach and raised the alarm, but efforts to save Okomol and his sister came too late.
Emergency responders rescued other people aboard the boat and took them to hospital. They were reportedly in stable condition.
The bodies of Okomol and Cynthia were later swept ashore at Nyali Beach and recovered before being taken to the morgue.
Friends Mourn Okomol and Cynthia
The deaths have since drawn condolences from local political figures and residents in Busia, with several posts mourning the two siblings.
Hon. Leonard Checheya reported the deaths, identifying Okomol as a Malaba South MCA aspirant and confirming that he had been traveling with his sister when the boat capsized.
“So sad that our aspirants are losing life . But we stand still. Sorry to the family & friends of the Malaba Aspirant With his Sister,” he mourned.
Hon. Daniel Moiti also mourned the two, saying they were from Adakai Village in Kamolo Sub-location, Teso North Sub-County, Busia County.
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Moiti described the deaths as a loss to Malaba South Ward, Teso North and Busia County, while extending condolences to their family and friends.
“To the people of Malaba South Ward, Teso North Sub-County, Busia County, and Kenya in general, we have lost the heroes. God has decided to take them this early. All we pray is that their soul rest in peace.”
The posts said the two were on a leisure trip when the boat capsized in the Indian Ocean.
Their deaths have prompted messages of condolence from political leaders and members of the community as details of the incident continue to emerge.
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