Nine people among them eight women escaped death by a whisker after the canoe capsized in Lake Victoria during the annual canoe racing festival held in Bumbe  of Funyula constituency, Busia county. 

This as Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya, said all beaches will be closed by 5.30 in the evening to ensure the safety of holidaymakers.

The annual boat racing of Funyula in Busia counties.

The event that dates back to 1967 and is held every 26th of December attracts hundreds of local communities among them leaders.

On board were eight women and a man who was the canoe’s skipper. 

Quick intervention by local divers and those hired from Mombasa, saved the nine from drowning.

This as Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya,  banned all beach activities past 5.30 in the evening.

The directive follows the drowning of two people in the Indian Ocean at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach after their boat capsized on Christmas Day. Nine others were rescued.