Lake Victoria Safety and Rescue Infrastructure to be Enhanced by New Maritime Center in MwanzaMombasa Court Hears Pleas in Shakahola Massacre Case Involving 191 Murder Charges

MWANZA, United Republic of Tanzania — In a significant move to bolster safety and security on Lake Victoria, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art maritime rescue and coordination center in Mwanza.

According to Kenya News Agency, the project, with an investment of Sh. 300 million, aims to establish Search and Rescue Stations (SARS) along the shores of the lake in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This initiative is part of the broader Multinational Lake Victoria Transport and Communication Project, designed to address the increasing frequency of fatal accidents in the waters of East Africa’s largest lake.

Over the past two years, the lake has witnessed the loss of 63 lives due to various maritime mishaps, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced search and rescue capabilities in the region. Among the notable tragedies were the capsizing of a boat at Pier Beach in Homa Bay County, Kenya, on 21st September 2021, which resulted in 10 deaths, and a Precision Air commercial plane crash into the lake on 6th November 2022, killing 19 people. Additionally, July and August 2023 saw twin boat disasters in Tanzania and Uganda, claiming 14 and 20 lives, respectively.

The LVBC, a key institution of the East Africa Community (EAC) focused on the sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin, has secured funding from the Africa Development Bank (ADB) for the project. The expected completion date is December this year. The newly established search and rescue centers will be equipped with speed boats and medical facility boats to improve emergency response efforts.

Dr. Bwire emphasized the commission’s dedication to preventing further loss of life in the lake, stating, “We cannot sit and watch our people lose lives in the Lake. The commission therefore reiterates its commitment to continue contributing towards making Lake Victoria safe.” He also revealed plans for an elaborate maritime communication network to facilitate effective coordination during disasters and announced the establishment of a telephone code (110) for emergency rescue coordination.

Furthermore, the project includes capacity-building for national and regional search and rescue teams and the construction of a Maritime Training facility in Uganda, with an allocation of Sh. 220 million from ADB. This initiative is aligned with the EAC’s efforts to enhance maritime and blue economy activities. LVBC also aims to expand research on Lake Victoria, including weather forecasting improvements for safer navigation. The commission’s research vessel MVJumuia is set to resume operations soon.

The 22nd Sectoral Council of Ministers on Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM-LVB), where Dr. Bwire spoke, serves as the commission’s strategic governing body. The meeting saw participation from delegates across EAC member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), underscoring the collaborative effort towards a safer Lake Victoria.

MOMBASA, Kenya — In a high-profile case that has captivated the nation, controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 29 associates pleaded not guilty to 191 counts of murder before High Court Judge Mugure Thande on Tuesday. The charges are related to the deaths of 191 children, most of whom were unidentified, in the Shakahola forest, Kilifi County, between 2021 and 2023.

According to Kenya News Agency, Victor Mule, one suspect, Evans Kolombe Sirya, was deemed unfit to stand trial due to mental illness as reported by a psychiatrist, delaying his plea.

The prosecution, represented by Victor Mule, expressed readiness to proceed with the case, excluding Sirya, who is set to undergo further mental assessment after 30 days of treatment. Defense lawyer James Mouko, however, challenged the diagnosis, suggesting Sirya’s condition was physical rather than mental, and requested an independent medical examination for the accused.

The case, which has drawn attention due to its magnitude and the involvement of a well-known preacher, saw a total of 30 individuals, including Mackenzie, face charges for their alleged involvement in the massacre. The accused were ordered to remain in custody at the Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison until March 7, 2024, when a preliminary objection raised by the defense regarding the number of counts on the charge sheet will be addressed. Lady Justice Thande also scheduled discussions for bail following the objection’s resolution, despite anticipated opposition from the state.

In addition to legal proceedings, Lady Justice Thande addressed concerns regarding the treatment of the accused, ordering prison authorities to facilitate haircuts for female prisoners and the transfer of personal belongings to Shimo la Tewa. However, she denied a request to transfer certain accused individuals to a different facility for convenience, emphasizing logistical considerations.

This case marks a significant moment in Kenya’s legal history, with the court navigating complex issues of mental health, legal procedure, and the rights of the accused amidst public scrutiny and the tragic loss of young lives. The legal teams have agreed to submit written responses to the preliminary objection, highlighting the contentious nature of this case as it progresses through the judicial system.