Weeks after the tragic drowning incident during the East Africa Ocean Festival in Mombasa, families of the victims say they have been left to mourn in silence, grappling with grief, financial strain, and broken promises of government assistance.
The festival — intended to celebrate coastal culture, ocean sports, and tourism — turned into a nightmare on October 12, 2025, when a boat, identified as MV Dragon, capsized in Tudor Creek, claiming several lives and leaving multiple others injured or missing.
While government officials and festival organizers pledged support and compensation, affected families now say little has been done beyond expressions of sympathy.
For Joyce Dama, the mother of 26-year-old Stephen Karembo, the pain remains raw. Sitting outside her family home in Kilifi, she recalls the last phone call from her son — cheerful and full of hope.
“He told me he would be home soon after the festival,” she said, holding back tears. “He was preparing his passport and had just been offered work abroad. Now we are preparing his funeral instead.”
Joyce says her family has been forced to organize a community fundraiser to cover burial and transport costs.
“We have received no financial assistance so far. The Deputy President came, the Governor came — but we have not seen any real help. We are struggling even to buy a coffin.”
Stephen’s grandfather, Karembo Mae, said the news of his grandson’s death reached them late in the evening through friends.
“I didn’t even know he had gone to the festival. We were shocked. He was a hardworking young man, full of dreams. Now we just need help to give him a decent burial,” he said.
Stephen’s wife, Eunice Okolla, who is six months pregnant, described the loss as unbearable.
“He was our provider. The last time we spoke, he sent me money for lunch and said, ‘Take care of yourself.’ Those were his last words. Now I don’t know how I’ll raise our child alone,” she said quietly.
Several other families have voiced frustration at what they describe as poor organization and safety lapses during the festival. Witnesses say that many of the boats lacked adequate safety gear, and lifeguard response was delayed after the vessel capsized.
Local activist Richard Omondi, who lost a friend in the tragedy, said the community wants more than condolences.
“We are demanding answers. Who authorized that event? Were the boats inspected? Why were there no safety officers on standby? Lives were lost because of negligence,” he said.
Environmental and maritime groups have also called for an independent investigation into the tragedy, warning that the lack of accountability may encourage further recklessness in future ocean festivals.
Presidential Advisor Karisa Nzai, who has been liaising with bereaved families, acknowledged the frustrations and said follow-ups are underway to ensure that government and county pledges are fulfilled.
“The Deputy President and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir visited the site and assured families of assistance,” Nzai said. “I have personally met with several affected families and provided some support. If any commitments were made, we will ensure they are honored.
This tragedy should be a lesson on coordination between event organizers and safety agencies.”
Despite these assurances, families insist that no formal compensation mechanism has been communicated, and most are still relying on donations from well-wishers and church groups to cover funeral costs.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and Mombasa County Disaster Response Unit have faced mounting pressure to tighten regulations on public marine events.
Maritime safety expert Captain Ali Mwinyi told The Eastleigh Voice that recurring tragedies along Kenya’s coastline stem from lax enforcement of safety standards.
“Many private operators use unregistered boats, and event organizers rarely seek clearance from KMA,” he said. “We need a clear safety code for ocean festivals, including lifejackets, certified vessels, and mandatory emergency response teams.”
As the ocean waves crash against Mombasa’s shoreline, the families of the victims continue to wait — for justice, for support, and for closure.
At the Karembo home, a framed photo of Stephen sits beside a candle. His mother says she prays that his death will not be in vain.
“If our government truly cares, they should make sure this never happens again. No parent should go through what we are going through.”
Background: The East Africa Ocean Festival Tragedy
• Date of incident: October 12, 2025
• Location: Tudor Creek, Mombasa County
• Event: East Africa Ocean Festival, celebrating marine culture and sports
• Casualties: At least 3 confirmed dead, several injured, others rescued
• Official response: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir visited the scene; investigations ongoing
