A couple that was to solemnize their marriage on Saturday, December 4, has finally broken silence on how they learnt of the drowning of their 10 relatives in the Enziu River tragedy.
Talking from his home in Nuu , Kitui County, Mutua Mbuvi narrated that the news was broken to them not long after they had traded their vows.
Mbuvi expressed that he sensed something was wrong when he saw wedding attendees consult in quieted tones and his best men sometimes talking with the priest directing the service.
However, Father Peter Kilonzo, went through the administering of the marriage and wrapped up.
“Shortly after we exchanged the vows, the news was broken to us. We were told that our children had drowned. 10 of them, my own, all drowned,” Mbuvi stated amid tears.
They would swiftly board a vehicle that took them to the accident scene despite efforts by the authorities to keep them away.
“There, we saw bodies displayed on the river bank, most of which were my children and grand children… At that point, I felt like my life lost meaning and decided to toss myself in the water but I was restrained,” Mutua told the Nation.
In spite of the shocking occasions, Mutua doesn’t lament holding the function as it meant a lot to his Christian journey.
He disclosed that one of his late little daughter was the person who intrigued him with regards to a white wedding.
“We were in constant communication with the bridal party and members of the choir who were stranded at the river bank…we had advised them to wait until the water subsided,” Mutua added.
Mutua’s kin namely Alice ndanu, Angela Syombua, Rachael Manoti, Mary Kioko, Kenneth Okinda, Christine Kaka, Patricia Savu, Maria Masaa, Judy Ben, Elizabeth Kaluki and Ethan Murimi, were headed for the wedding ceremony when they met their death.
As at Tuesday, December 7, the death toll stood at 33.
