Tragedy as family loses six members in accident

The Kamirithu village in Limuru is enveloped in sorrow after a horrific accident robbed a single family of six loved ones; a husband, his three children, and two brothers. 

The weight of grief left the family shattered, struggling to comprehend the unimaginable loss.

Ann Nduta, the seventh-born in the family, who spoke to The Standard, said that the household is caught in a relentless storm of mourning. 

“We are greatly hit by these sudden deaths, we are a family of 11 and losing 3 brothers at a go is not easy, even as we mourn we have specifically trained all our efforts and eyes on our sister in law who requires immense support and surveillance, we love her and she remains our family member,” said Nduta.

The tragedy has taken a toll on Njeri, whose health has deteriorated rapidly. 

“On Monday, she collapsed and had to be hospitalized. Yesterday, she fell sick again and was rushed to Nazareth Hospital. Today, she woke up with swollen feet and had to be taken back to the hospital,” Nduta said.

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Their mother, Jecinta Waithira, 64, is reeling from the weight of sorrow no mother should bear. 

“Why has God placed me on this cross? In January, I buried my mother. Now, just months later, I am burying my three sons and three grandchildren. I don’t understand why this is happening, but I leave it in God's hands,” she said, her voice frail with grief.

At their home, mourners sit in silent disbelief. When Njeri returned from the hospital, she was met by Lillian Njeri, the grieving widow of Peter Kirubi,  one of the brothers who perished in the accident. 

The two women clung to each other, their sobs breaking the heavy silence that had settled over the home.

The family is now facing the difficult task of giving their loved ones a dignified farewell. 

According to the family, to cover the funeral costs, including mortuary and hospital bills, transportation, tents, chairs, a public address system, and other logistics, they need to raise Shs.2 million.

“We are hard-pressed by these financial demands. We have no choice but to organize a fundraiser this Sunday at Kamirithu Secondary School in Limuru.

We want to give them a proper send-off,” said Lawrence Waiganjo, the chairman of the funeral steering committee.