Families of 11 KU students killed in road crash appeal to Gov't for help to foot funeral bills

Families of the 11 Kenyatta University students who lost their lives in a road accident in Maungu area near Voi town on Monday evening have described the deaths as a big loss not only to them but the entire nation.

The families, who attended a post-mortem examination exercise at the KU funeral home on Thursday, appealed to the government to help them foot the funeral bills.

The post-mortem examination results revealed that all the victims died as a result of severe head injuries sustained during the accident.

The families said the deaths exposed them to a deep sense of loss as majority of those who perished were third year and fourth year students pursuing medical courses.

One of them, Catherine Rotich, was inconsolable after losing her first born son Rodgers Kiprotich.

“Mara ya mwisho tuliongea na yeye wakiondoka wakienda trip, he was a very social person, friendly, alikuwa mtoto ambaye yeyote angetaka kuwa mtoto wake,” she said.

Alinda Wesonga, a relative, said: "He was a very hardworking boy, he was very calm and he was a people's person and we are so heartbroken, it is a gap that nobody is going to fill.”

For the family of Neville Opiyo Omondi, who hails from Ugenya in Siaya County, the death has shattered the family. Opiyo was pursuing Public Health at the university.

Faith Opiyo, the deceased’s sister, said: "Ndugu yangu alikuwa mtu mzuri sana, alikuwa hardworking, alikuwa anaenda church...hakuwa anakosa church...kila siku hata nikipika chai hapo ataniambia hakunywi chai aendee church kwanza.”

Another family in mourning is that of 22-year-old Austine Owino, a third year student at the institution. For Owino's family, the burden of transfereing his remains all the way to Oyugis is their main concern even as they come to terms with his demise.

Kennedy Ouma, a relative, said: “Kama wanaweza simamia mortuary bill, wasimamie sanduku na clothing and then transport to home, lakini sasa wakikubali tunaeza itoa waone vile wanaweza tupea support from that end.”

The late 21-year-old John Muriithi who was pursuing Health Science at Kenyatta University was among the 11 students who passed on in the tragic accident; the family describes him as dependable and says his loss leaves a big gap.

His uncle Joseph Maina said: “He is one of the jovial sons we have in the family and somebody who is very open and a good person with whom you can discuss anything without looking at his age.”

Government Pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa, who conducted the post-mortem, said all the victims sustained serious head injuries.

The university community will be allowed to view the bodies of their colleagues and give their last respects on Friday afternoon at the KU funeral home along Thika Road.