There was grief and sorrow at Amariba village in Kisii on Friday during the burial of a couple and their son who perished in a road accident two weeks ago.
Danvas Maranga Omariba, 47, his wife Beatrice Nyaboke, 44, and Gabriel Maranga aged two years died when they were on their way back home from Kericho county where they had escorted their daughter who was joining the Kenya Medical Training College to pursue nursing.
It was reported that the driver of the private vehicle the family was using tried to overtake in a sharp corner near Keroka town along the Kisii-Kericho road when he collided with an oncoming school bus from the right side.
Following the accident, Nyaboke and Gabriel who were seated on the rear seat, died on the spot due serious injuries they sustained while Maranga succumbed at a Kisii hospital.
However, the driver who sustained minor injuries was treated and discharged the same day.
The funeral ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of mourners, was one of its kind because the village has never experienced such a tragedy.
The couple has left behind three orphans who residents said would now require the attention of their uncles, aunts and well-wishers.
The funeral ceremony, which was characterised by tears, saw mourners converse in low tones. Speakers were not allowed to make any speeches but were only required to pray for the family and the orphans.
Former MP Richard Tong’i, who is a cousin to the deceased, described their deaths as a big loss not only to the family but the country.
“It is distressing to witness such a traumatising situation where a couple and their young son lose their lives in a road accident,” Tong’i said in his brief speech.
“We cannot blame anybody because of what happened but God himself knew their destiny. May they rest in eternal peace."
Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda and MP Zaheel Jhanda attended the sombre ceremony, which was conducted at Amariba SDA grounds.
Monda, who delivered Governor Simba Arati’s condolence message, said that the government will consider supporting the family.
Jhanda said that the accident was not only a shock to the family but the entire community, saying that he would be available to give any support to the orphans.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
