www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]

Dark cloud as Gusii mourns 32

  • Print
Details
Published on Sunday, 09 September 2007 18:56

Grief engulfed Kisii Town as the residents met to pay last respects to over 32 residents who perished in a road accident last week.

Moaners lower a coffin bearing the remains of one of 32 accident victims from a vehicle during a prayer meeting in Kisii yesterday.
Business came to a standstill as a convoy of cars snaked through the town’s streets draped in twigs, made its way to Kisii General Hospital to visit ten other recovering victims.

The mourners then proceeded to the District Hospital mortuary, collected the bodies, took them to the accident scene and eventually to the Gusii stadium where prayers were held.

Relatives boarded several pick up trucks displaying portraits of their next of kin and friends who perished in the Thursday crash.

Politicians set aside their differences and shared a podium as Christian and Muslim leaders joined in prayers.

Prayer venue

Kenda chaiman and Goldenberg architect Kamlesh Pattni caused a stir when he entered the prayer venue.

Narc Kenya chairman Raphael Tuju, former vice-president Musalia Mudavadi, ODM-Kenya presidential candidate Kalonzo Musyoka and Planning minister Henry Obwocha were among leaders who attended the service.

Yesterday’s ceremony came just two days after five pupils from a local school were knocked down in another accident at Tendere on the Kisii-Kilgoris road.

Gospel music was played as the bodies arrived one by one, more tears flowing freely with each new arrival.

Among the songs that was played was Don Moen’s I Will Sing which goes in part: “Though I have lost my faith, I must admit it is difficult to pray.. I will sing, even in my darkest hour, through the sorrow and the pain.” Pastor Kennedy Nyairo of the Deliverance Church who presided over the service said the sight of 30 coffins was not easy to bear and asked Kenyans to turn to prayer.

Mr Tuju told the mourners that despite the rising political temperatures, they were still members of one country.

“Last time I campaigned for Raila Odinga while Mudavadi did it for Uhuru Kenyatta. We still meet and take tea together. So we are here to assure you that were one,” he said.Leaders who spoke accused traffic police of laxity and attributed it to the rising number of road accidents.

Safety rules

Mr Magara said since the transfer of Mr John Michuki from the Transport ministry, safety laws “have been shelved as traffic police collect bribes at the expense of lives”.

In his message read to mourners, Roads minister Simeon Nyachae who is abroad, said the section of the road where the accident occurred will be redesigned.

“I would like to assure you that our roads engineers will redesign both the bridge and road to make that section of the road safer.”