Kenyatta University (KU) has offered financial assistance to the families of the 11 students who tragically lost their lives following a road accident in Maungu area along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.
The unfortunate accident happened on Monday, March 18, when a Kenyatta University bus ferrying students collided with a trailer.
The public health students were on a journey to Mombasa for an academic trip.
While paying tribute to their loved ones, families of the victims expressed that the loss of their children has caused them immense pain, especially since many of those who died were third and fourth-year medical students.
The 11 who died in the accident are Navile Omondi Opiyo, Beneas Otieno, Hellen Mbula Kisilu, Michael Muteti, Vallary Akinyi Ouma and Oslo Mwendwa.
Others are Felix Gori Nyaata, Austine Omondi Owino, Rodger Kiprotich Rono, John Mbiriri Mureithi and Patricia Murugi Mwangi.
Families Receive Compensation
Each family received a cheque for Ksh 181,818 from the university as compensation for their loss.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor, Paul Wainaina, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and urged them to continue persevering during this difficult period.
Also Read: 11 Kenyatta University Students Die in Grisly Road Accident
“Standing together in solidarity during times of loss. Prof. Paul Wainaina, the Vice-Chancellor, extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased students and comforts the parents of the students we still have in the hospital,” said the University.
The director of Student Affairs led the distribution of the cheques and affirmed the institution’s support to the affected families.
Additionally, the Chairperson of the Student Governing Council, Mr. Robert Rhova Bonaya, who was also present urged continued support for the bereaved families.
Prof. Wainaina further called on the students and parents to continue praying for other victims of the accident.
“We also have one serious case, a student; you still remember Oscar. Oscar is still hospitalized, and he is actually in ICU from that time and what I would urge is that we keep on praying,” Wainaina said.
Parents express their gratitude.
The grieving parents expressed gratitude to the University for the aid and the support received during this devastating period in their lives.
“I was asking God how comes that it has reached to such a place and then heard something telling me that you cannot question God, because if he says that I will also die nobody can question him,”
“So let us encourage ourselves & because it happened the way it happened let us continue trusting God.” said a parent.
The KU fraternity had organized a memorial service which was held at the Kenyatta University Graduation Square Grounds on Sunday, March 24.
The service was attended by notable figures including the First lady, Mama Rachel & Education CS Ezekiel Machogu.
Also Read: Kenyatta University Accident Survivor Recounts Last Moments Before Crash
Mama Rachel in her speech extended her condolences to the families as well as the institution for the tragic loss.
“We are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of these young future leaders across various spheres of life. They were shining examples to their peers and sources of pride and joy to their families and communities,” she said.
She also revealed that President William Ruto had donated Ksh 2 million to support the families of the 11 students who lost their lives in the grisly road accidents.
