Nakuru: Sorrow as 7 family members killed in road accident buried

The seven members of a family who perished in a road accident at Salama along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway during Easter have been laid to rest at an emotional event in their Nakuru home.

Several leaders joined the family and offered their condolences during the deceased members' final send-off on Tuesday at Karirikania Primary School in Nyota ward.

Water Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Njeru said the incident had robbed the family of a huge part of their lives and called for more vigilance on the roads from users to curb the rising cases of accidents.

"It’s a sad incident to lose several members at a go, we pray that the Lord will strengthen you and give you courage to overcome the loss. I am urging everyone to join the government in addressing the road usage," he said.

"The government is also trying to ensure the status of roads in the country is improved."

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika said the county government will continue to stand with the family and support them where necessary as they manage the loss of their loved ones.

She said the county government would employ at least two people from the family in a bid to support them financially.

"We will try to take in at least two of your children, and even though we have to go through the county Public Service Board, we believe it will in the long run help relieve the pain and rebuild your unity as a family," she said.

The family was returning home from Easter celebrations early this month in Mombasa when the accident occurred, leaving six family members dead on the spot before another died in hospital.

The 14-seater matatu they had hired, as part of a convoy of three vehicles, collided head-on with a truck, killing a total of 11 people.