As the sun dipped behind Lake Turkana, Senait Mebrehtu made a heart-wrenching pilgrimage to the shores where her 14-year-old daughter, Hiyab, drowned last year while attempting to reach Kenya. Hiyab and her sister had embarked on a perilous journey to escape the oppressive military conscription in Eritrea, enlisting the help of smugglers.
Senait, who had fled Eritrea's rigid regime three years prior with her younger children, was devastated to learn about the treacherous route over Lake Turkana, described by smugglers as a "digital route." Due to increased road patrols, traffickers have shifted their methods, leading many migrants to hazardous crossings.
Speaking to the BBC, a smuggler confirmed the route’s growing popularity among those fleeing war-torn regions. During their crossing, Hiyab's boat capsized due to overcrowding, with Senait blaming the smugglers for their negligence. Tragically, seven people died that night, and a witness recounted the moment Hiyab's boat flipped in the turbulent waters.
The drowning incident reflects the larger crisis, as many Eritreans seek refuge in Kenya, Uganda, and further into Africa due to ongoing conflict and governmental oppression. The UN reports over 345,000 Eritrean refugees in East Africa, with many using Kenya as a transit point.
Senait still mourns her daughter’s loss and expresses worries for those still entrusting their lives to smuggling networks, which are known for exploitation and violence. "May God heal our land and deliver us from all this," she whispered, as she continues to navigate her grief while advocating for the safety of others.
