The nine who died – two ladies and seven men – were part of a local band that consisted of 15 members.
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The musical outfit was headed for a performance on Saturday evening at Ndeda Island.
Philip Ouma, the band’s manager, said the boat started swaying due to heavy waves experienced in the lake before it finally capsizing.
According to him, they had barely traveled for 50 minutes when the swaying started, throwing everyone on board into panic, the Star reported.
Ouma said the survivors were rescued after a group of fishermen who witnessed the incident unfold, peddled offshore and called for reinforcement.
Ouma narrated on the early morning ordeal, saying he survived by hanging onto one of the speakers they were going to use for their performance.
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He said he hang onto the speaker until after rescuers found him.
One of the dancers going by the name Marceline Adhiambo, said she survived the boat accident by hanging onto a jerrican for about an hour before help arrived.
Bondo OCPD Paul Kiarie confirmed the incident and said that they are seeking assistance from the national disaster management authority to assist in retrieving the bodies of those who were not so lucky.
He however advised people using the lake as a means of transport to use safety gears.
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West Sakwa Ward MCA Johannes Andiego was the first leader to visit the shore and condoled with the bereaved families.
Andiego said the incident was the first of its magnitude to be witnessed at the Lihunda beach.
He also urged fishermen who use their fishing canoes to ferry passengers across the lake to leave the task to those who own boats meant for transport.
Via the Star
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