The family of 14 relatives who lost their lives in last Sunday’s Kikopey road accident has begun making burial arrangements, with the national government promising to support them through the process.
First Lady Rachel Ruto led mourners in consoling the family during a church service in Murang’a, where grief was heavy but the spirit of solidarity remained strong. The Ministry of Health has also confirmed that it will send counsellors to help survivors and relatives cope with the immense tragedy.
How Is the Family Coping with the Loss?
Three days after receiving the devastating news, the family and community gathered for a memorial mass in honor of the 14 victims, all of whom belonged to one extended family. The grief was palpable as leaders and neighbors joined in solidarity.
The relatives had been traveling to Nakuru to visit a sick aunt when the tragic crash occurred, wiping out an entire branch of the family tree. First Lady Ruto reminded mourners of the importance of unity, saying, “This is the time as a family that you have to come together, more than any other time. I leave this service having learned something even as a nation what if we loved each other as a member of one family?”
Nominated MP Sabina Chege emphasized the tragedy’s scale, adding, “Kuna watoto kumi na wawili ambao wamebaki hapa, hawana mama, hawana grandmother or a grandfather, hawana mahali wataenda.”
What Support Is Being Offered to the Family?
The funeral preparations have placed a heavy financial burden on the grieving family. However, during the service, leaders and mourners helped raise over Ksh.4 million to ease the costs. “Once the funeral is over the burden will be real, because everyone will have gone back to their homes. Let us keep supporting them,” Rachel Ruto urged.
Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina also pledged continued support, stating, “Wale tumebaki itabidi tukuje hapa tufanye mchango tusaidie hawa watoto.”
According to family representatives, the 14 will be laid to rest in four locations: Kahiga, Kangui, Gacharage in Murang’a, and Naivasha. As preparations continue, the community and government remain committed to walking with the family through one of the darkest moments in their history.
By Lucky Anyanje
