The families of five people who tragically lost their lives in a road accident near Lumakanda Junction on the Eldoret-Malaba Highway in Kakamega County are struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief.
The accident, which occurred when a speeding fuel tanker collided with a vehicle carrying the family, claimed the lives of the groom, Nicholas Biwot, and his bride, Brenda Masakhwe, who were returning from their traditional wedding.
Mary Masakhwe, the bride’s mother, shared the profound sorrow that has engulfed the family since the tragedy.
“When I received the call that my child had died on the road, I wept and wished that it had been me who had passed, so my child could bury me. But now, I am the one who must bury my own child. I am deeply heartbroken,” she expressed.
Mary recalled how her daughter Brenda, who was 29 years old, had been full of joy because the traditional wedding had gone smoothly. She had been in high spirits throughout the day.
Javan Masakhwe, Brenda’s father, mentioned that the couple had received his blessing to start their new life together, but what began as a joyous occasion turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
New information has identified one of the survivors as Ann Koskey, the groom’s mother, along with his aunt, Seline Chelimo. Both are currently receiving treatment at St. Luke’s Hospital in Eldoret.
The groom’s father, Simon Koskey, revealed that he first learned of the accident from one of his brothers, who had lent his vehicle for the journey.
“The next call came from my daughter, who works in Eldoret. She told me about the accident and that their mother and aunt were being hospitalized in Eldoret. I was devastated; this is a wound that will never heal,” he said.
The families are now awaiting the completion of postmortems on the bodies so that they can proceed with the burial arrangements.
