First Lady Rachel Ruto on Sunday led a section of leaders in attending the memorial service for the 11 Kenyatta University students who tragically lost their lives on Monday.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu also attended the service held at the university.
In her speech, Rachel condoled with the families of the victims affected and the institution saying the departed students were shining examples to their peers and sources of pride and joy to their families and communities.
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of eleven students from the Department of Health Management and Informatics at Kenyatta University who passed away following a road accident in Maungu, Taita Taveta County.
“We are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of these young future leaders across various spheres of life. They were shining examples to their peers and sources of pride and joy to their families and communities,” Rachel said.
The university’s Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina promised to support the families of the students affected by the tragedy.
He also expressed utmost gratitude to the students who donated blood to the victims recuperating at hospitals.
“Gratitude flows to Kenyatta University students for their unwavering support through blood donations and heartfelt gestures at the candlelight vigils,” the VC stated.
“Special thanks to our first responders the police officers at Taita-Taveta County, AMREF Flying Doctors, and Kenya Red Cross Society for their rapid response when called upon to assist,” he added.
The accident which involved a Kenyatta University bus and a trailer occurred past Maungu in Voi sub-county last week.
The institution on Saturday appealed to Kenyans for financial assistance to cater for funeral arrangements for the 11 students.
The institution on Saturday appealed to Kenyans for financial assistance to cater for funeral arrangements for the 11 students.
In their statement shared on Saturday, March 23, 2024, the university’s management affirmed that the contributions would also cater for the medical expenses of the students currently undergoing treatment.
“Kenyatta University humbly reaches out to you for financial support following the tragic road accident at Maungu, Voi that claimed 11 students and left many casualties,” the institution’s statement read in parts.
“The tragedy has left our KU community shaken. We earnestly seek your support for all those impacted to help defray medical, funeral and other expenses.”
Those interested have been asked to channel their contributions through paybill number 247247, account no: 1130296626073.
Alternatively, those interested can contribute through the university’s bank account name, Kenyatta University under account no 1130296626073 – Equity Bank, Kenyatta University branch, swift code: EQBLKENAXXX.
