Ruto's CS to Lead Fundraiser for Families of 14 Killed in Road Crash

Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has announced plans to pull resources to help the families of victims of the Kikopey road crash, which claimed 14 lives.

All victims hailed from Kandara, Wahome's home constituency.

Speaking during the memorial service of the victims on Saturday, October 4, the CS noted the need for the bereaved families to be offered all manner of support to cope with the tragedy that befell them.

She observed that the tragedy robbed families of their breadwinners, leaving behind orphans, widows and other vulnerable people.

With the foregoing, she organises a fundraiser later this month to mobilise resources to help the families run.

She said the initiative has the backing of President William Ruto's government.

"I have proposed to the family, and this is my commitment, on behalf of the government, we shall come here on October 25 so that we can raise some money, because what we raised throughout the week is sufficient for the funeral arrangements of the 14 people, including their transport. And therefore, we don't want to leave and then leave these young children. Most of the families have left very young children between, I think, three years and 11 years," she said.

Wahome noted that the monies would help procure basic needs for the families, including food and education for the young ones.

Whilst the monetary support might not alleviate the pain the families are enduring, Wahome said it would go a long way in keeping them grounded as they navigate the grief period.

"There is an urgent need to raise some money for food, basically for immediate care and nurturing of the young ones. And therefore, I'll be leading a fundraiser. My proposal to the family, if it is accepted, is that we come back here on 25th of October, which is a Saturday afternoon, so that we raise a little more money for purposes of support system and supporting the children. And I'm sure with that kind of arrangement, maybe the pain and the loss will be, you know, a bit lighter. And so that we also don't lose the children in terms of their continued education, and looking after their daily needs," she said.

Murang'a governor Irungu Kang'ata and senator Joe Nyutu were among the dignitaries present at the memorial.

The crash happened last Sunday, September 28.

A passenger vehicle collided with a truck near Kariandusi along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.

The accident was confirmed by Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winston Mwakio.

Local residents arrived at the site to assist with rescue efforts while the police conducted their investigation.

Photos from the scene showed the truck's tractor had veered off the road, with the trailer blocking the roadway.

The severely damaged 14-seater public service vehicle was moved to the roadside.