In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a family from Malindi town in Kilifi County is desperately seeking assistance to recover the body of their beloved kin. The 22-year-old Beatrice Neema Kalume, a final year student at Shanzu Teachers College in Mombasa County, allegedly took her own life by diving off the Kilifi Bridge, situated 60 kilometers away in Kilifi town.
The young woman, described by her family as vibrant and promising, left her home in Malindi last Thursday, embarking on a fateful journey that would end in tragedy. According to Neema’s distraught mother, Mary Mwadondo, her daughter left their residence at 3:55am that morning, without revealing her destination. She only mentioned a plan to drink tap water within their compound.
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As hours turned into days without any word from Neema, her family became increasingly worried. They reported her disappearance to the local authorities, only to receive the devastating news that a woman had leapt from the Kilifi Bridge that same morning. The victim bore a name strikingly similar to Neema’s, a heartbreaking coincidence confirmed when her national identity card and phone were discovered at the Kilifi police station.
Efforts to recover Neema’s body from the waters beneath the bridge have been ongoing for days. Regrettably, the local government has been unable to provide professional divers for the operation, compelling the family to enlist the help of local fishermen. The lack of specialized equipment and challenging visibility conditions in the deep creek have hampered the rescue efforts.
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An eyewitness account from an individual who claimed to have witnessed the incident described Neema’s arrival in Kilifi town from Malindi around 5am. She boarded a motorcycle headed for Mnarani area, but abruptly disembarked on the bridge, plunging into the water. Allegedly, she attempted to call for help upon entering the water and struggled to swim before succumbing.
Neema’s older brother, Teddy Kalume, expressed the family’s deep anguish and frustration at the situation. They have not only had to cope with the emotional trauma of losing a loved one, but they have also had to expend significant funds to engage local divers and provide the necessary equipment, including oxygen, for the search.
The family’s plea for assistance has extended to the Kilifi County government. They were provided a boat and fuel, but the lack of professional divers has posed a major challenge in recovering Neema’s body. The family implores the government to contribute in whatever capacity possible to help them lay their sister to rest.
Tragically, this incident has unveiled a disconcerting trend. Neema’s uncle, Tom Kai, highlighted that the Kilifi Bridge has become a hotspot for suicides, urging both the national and county governments to secure the area. Reports indicate that several individuals grappling with depression have chosen this location as an end to their pain.
Abdi Shalo from the Kilifi Boat Operators Association affirmed the increase in suicide attempts at the bridge due to the lack of sea rescue equipment. He called upon the County government to address this pressing issue. He also criticized the perceived laxity of the police in patrolling the area.
The Kilifi Sub County Police Commander, Kenneth Maina, has assured the public that he will comment on the matter once Neema’s body is successfully retrieved. According to the family, the search and rescue operation is being carried out by County divers, as the police lack the necessary boats and diving equipment.
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This tragic incident underscores the need for greater mental health support and preventative measures within the community. As Kilifi Bridge becomes a symbol of these unfortunate events, local authorities must collaborate to secure the area and provide essential resources to prevent further loss of life.
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