President William Ruto demonstrated his support by donating Kes.2 million to assist the families of 11 Kenyatta University students who tragically lost their lives in an accident the previous week.
During a memorial service organized by the KU fraternity on Sunday, March 24, 2024, First Lady Rachel Ruto presented the funds to the grieving families. She extended heartfelt condolences to both the affected families and the university community.
Mama Rachel spoke fondly of the departed students, describing them as promising future leaders across various domains. She emphasized their significance not only to their families and communities but also to the academic institution. Additionally, she urged all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads, emphasizing the importance of caution to prevent further tragedies.
Expressing deep gratitude, Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina acknowledged the overwhelming support received from the university community. He assured continued solidarity with the affected families, including both those who lost loved ones and those still undergoing medical treatment.
Acknowledgments were made to the Kenyatta University students for their steadfast support, particularly through blood donations and heartfelt gestures during candlelight vigils. Special recognition was also extended to the first responders, including the police officers in Taita-Taveta County, AMREF Flying Doctors, and Kenya Red Cross Society, for their prompt assistance. Further appreciation was directed towards the medical professionals at Moi County Referral Hospital in Taita-Taveta and Avenue Hospital in Nairobi for their dedicated service.
The students who tragically lost their lives were all from the School of Health Sciences. Their names, Akinyi, Beneas, Felix, Rodgers, John, Helen, Patricia, Michael, Oslo, Neville, and Austine, were remembered as bright individuals with promising futures. They were en route to Mombasa for an educational trip when one of the buses they were traveling in collided head-on with a trailer at Maungu in Voi on Monday evening.
Fabian Omolo, the Class Representative and a survivor of the accident, reminisced about their last moments together, unknowingly sharing a snack before tragedy struck.
