A family in Gatanga, Murang’a County, that lost five members in a tragic road accident can now breathe a sigh of relief after leaders joined hands to help clear their Sh. 2.5 burial expenses.
The leaders, led by Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, Nominated MP Sabina Chege, and Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, presented a total of Sh2.5 million to the bereaved family to cater for the burial of five relatives who perished when a matatu plunged into River Kiama in Gatanga last Saturday night.
The ill-fated vehicle was ferrying the family members from a dowry ceremony in Kiambu County when the tragedy struck, claiming six lives on the spot. Several other passengers are still receiving treatment at Murang’a Level 5 Hospital. Notably, the accident occurred less than two kilometres from their destination.
According to David Kamau Gachunga, the chairman of the burial committee, the family’s burial budget stood at Sh2.5 million, which has now been fully covered through contributions from national and local leaders. “This has hit us hard, burying five people at once is of such a high magnitude that without help we could not have made it,” he said
Among those who perished were Peter Mwangi Macharia and his wife, who left behind six children including one in university, Elijah Kamau, who left a wife battling cancer and six children, one in college, Karanja, who left a wife and six children in primary and college and Kihara, who left behind a wife and three children, including a newborn.
Another victim, a woman who had been offered a lift along the way, also lost her life. Her family received Sh330,000 to cover burial expenses, while those hospitalized received Sh220,000 to cater for treatment costs.
Furthermore, the leaders pledged to support the education of the children left behind, with university and college students set to receive bursaries from the office of the woman rep to ensure continuity in their studies.
Speaking during a visit to the family home in Ndia Village, Kariara Ward, Gatanga, Maina said the leaders came together to ensure the bereaved family gives their loved ones dignified send-off.
“We came here to support this family so that they can give their loved ones a decent send-off. We know the emotional and financial burden that comes with such an insurmountable loss,” Ms Maina added. “We may not know how to comfort them, but we pray that the Lord will offer them peace and strength,” she said
She also appealed to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to take urgent action on the bridge where the accident occurred. “We will talk to Engineer Mwaura of KeNHA so that the bridge can be rectified to avoid similar calamities in the future,” she said.
Maina also called on the burial committee to ensure prudent use of the funds because a heavier burden lay ahead. “Many people will come and promise to help, but not all will keep the promise. Be prudent with what you’ve received because an even bigger burden lies ahead, educating the orphaned children and supporting the widowed families,” she cautioned.
The woman rep also thanked the national leaders who contributed to the fund, including President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Ndia MP George Kariuki.
“We sincerely thank residents and leaders for standing in solidarity with the Kanyoroku family because moments like these remind us of the importance of unity and compassion as we come together to give our departed loved ones a dignified send-off,” she said.
The burial of the five family members has been set for Saturday, November 1 at Gatunguru Primary School grounds before interment at the family land in Ndia Village.
By Florence Kinyua
