, NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 28- The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has dismissed claims that the Kenya Navy personnel ignored desperate pleas from eight fishermen who were stranded in the Indian Ocean for 17 days.
The eight, who made the claims against the navy, said they were rescued by marine police who were on patrol on Christmas Day.
The boat Captain Maliq Mbwana claims the Kenya Navy personnel ignored their presence for two instances including their requests for freshwater.
“On the 9th day we saw the Navy who is our help at the sea, we called on them for help to at least give us food or water but they refused,” Mbwana said during a TV interview.
But in a rejoinder, KDF Spokesperson Col Paul Njuguna termed the accusations “unthinkable”.
“Kenya Defence Forces is a credible, mission-capable Force deeply rooted in professionalism. It is unthinkable for Kenya Navy personnel to fail to attend to urgent calls for help in the Ocean such as highlighted in the media report. It is therefore of utmost importance to determine the real facts surrounding this alleged unfortunate event in order to determine the truth and stop the unwarranted allegations against KDF,” he said.
The fishermen’s boat drifted to Ziwayu, Kilifi County, where they were rescued.
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