Grieving Mother Blames Smugglers for Daughter's Death at Lake Turkana

Sun Oct 19 2025 07:38:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A mother mourns her 14-year-old daughter who drowned while attempting an illegal crossing into Kenya via dangerous routes frequented by smugglers.

Senait Mebrehtu lost her teenage daughter Hiyab in a tragic drowning incident at Lake Turkana, where illegal migrant crossings have surged. Senait, who sought asylum in Kenya to escape harsh conditions in Eritrea, is now vocal against the smugglers she blames for her daughter's death. The increasing migrant traffic through this perilous route raises alarm over the fate of those seeking safety.

As the sun dipped below the horizon of Lake Turkana, Senait Mebrehtu wept as she tossed flowers into the lake's waters, remembering her 14-year-old daughter Hiyab, who tragically drowned while attempting to reach Kenya. Last year, Hiyab was crossing the lake with her sister when their boat capsized. Senait, an Eritrean asylum seeker who fled religious persecution, traveled to this site in north-western Kenya to confront the painful memories of that fateful night.

"We had no idea how treacherous this lake could be. If the smugglers had warned me, I wouldn’t have allowed my daughters to come," Senait lamented. She initially arrived in Kenya with her two younger children on a tourist visa but was unable to bring her older daughters due to their proximity to conscription age in their militarized homeland. Despite the dangers, they pleaded to join her, leading Senait to reach out to connections who engaged smugglers to facilitate their escape.

The perilous journey involved weeks of travel through Eritrea and Ethiopia before reaching Lake Turkana. A smuggler confirmed to the BBC that the lake has become a new and dangerous frontier for illegal crossings, exploited because of increased patrols on roads. This smuggler, who transports migrants for a substantial fee, described Lake Turkana as the "digital route," highlighting its popularity among traffickers.

Reports reflect a troubling pattern of boat overloads and negligent practices among smugglers, contributing to numerous fatalities. During their crossing, Hiyab's boat was reportedly overloaded with over 20 migrants, leading to its capsize and resulting in several deaths, including Hiyab's. Survivors like Osman, who witnessed the incident, recounted the chaotic scenes and the tragic outcomes.

In Lomekwi, local fishermen have reported discovering multiple bodies in the lake, further illuminating the dire risks migrants face as they pursue safety. According to the UNHCR, the number of Eritrean refugees in the region continues to rise, with many fleeing oppressive military conscription and political repression.

Lawyers and activists note that East African nations like Kenya and Uganda have become refuge points for many fleeing conflicts in neighboring countries. However, the smuggling networks operating from this region remain rife with exploitation, often compromising the safety and well-being of migrants.

Senait's heartache reflects the broader struggles faced by many Eritrean families. "We have suffered like so many others," she said, hoping for healing and liberation for her homeland. Despite the loss of her daughter, Senait remains committed to raising awareness about the plight of migrants and the heartless nature of human trafficking operations, hoping to prevent further tragedies.