Caskets bearing the bodies of the accident victims during a joint funeral service at Kapcherop in Elgeyo Marakwet/MATHEWS NDANYIA mother, her daughter and a pastor who died in an accident at Londiani while returning home from an Administration Police pass-out parade in Embakasi, Nairobi, have been laid to rest at a sorrowful ceremony in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
They had attended a pass-out parade for their son, Kipchumba Kipkiror, and were travelling from Nakuru towards Eldoret when their vehicle rammed into the back of a truck that had stalled on the road at the notorious Twin Bridge black spot.
Five passengers died on the spot. Eight others were injured and rushed to Londiani Sub-County Hospital before being referred to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for further care.
Eunice Jebiwott Kipkiror, her daughter Gloria Jerotich Tanui, who was an Administration Police officer, and pastor Rono Kiberenge Kiptoo were buried at their homes near Kapcherop after a joint funeral service.
Eunice was an aunt to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who was among the leaders at the funeral service. Others included Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, host Governor Wisley Rotich and area Women Representative Caroline Ngelechei.
Sudi mourned his aunt as a strong woman who had struggled to bring up her family with love and great care.
“We have lost a very strong pillar in our family. I am always so strong, but I cried for a long time when I learned of this tragedy,” said Sudi.
Sudi gave cash towards building a local church in honour of his aunt and the deceased pastor. He also took over the education costs of the children in the affected families.
Kipchumba moved mourners, saying how they had celebrated after the graduation and regretting that his mother, sister and pastor had lost their lives because of him.
“I have been asking myself why this happened. They died because of me, and it’s been a very difficult time for me,” he said.
But Sudi comforted him and asked him not to blame himself for the accident, which he said was God’s will.
The leaders called on drivers to be cautious on the roads in order to save lives. Sudi praised President Ruto for initiating the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, noting that the move would help stop frequent accidents on the highway.
“President Ruto has a vision and a good plan for this country. His second term is not debatable. All his predecessors served for two terms, and Ruto cannot be an exception,” said Sudi.
MP Oscar Sudi with Governor Jonathan Bii (L) during the funeral service at Kapcherop in Elgeyo Marakwet.
MP Oscar Sudi with Governor Jonathan Bii (c) and Deputy Governor Cheserek during the funeral service at Kapcherop in Elgeyo Marakwet.
