The government has released Sh 4.4 million to facilitate the burial of 26 victims of the Kisumu–Kakamega Highway crash, County Commissioner Flora Mwaora has confirmed.
Speaking on Friday, Mwaora said the funds, channelled through Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, will cover burial expenses for the victims, who will be laid to rest after a mass ceremony at Naki Primary School on Saturday.
“The government committed to take care of this burial, and I can confirm we have received Sh 4.4 million to cater for all arrangements,” Mwaora said.
She urged residents to maintain peace during the mourning period, describing the tragedy as a painful moment for Kisumu and the Nyanza region.
The victims died in last week's devastating accident at the Coptic roundabout after losing control.
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, who joined families at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue as they collected a total of 22 bodies, said the county stands in solidarity with the bereaved.
“We held a moment of silence today as the families prepared to take their loved ones home for burial. This tragedy has left a deep scar on our community,” Nyong’o said.
The governor announced a donation of Sh1 million from his office, noting that ODM leader Raila Odinga had also contributed a similar amount.
“The bank details and account number will be published in tomorrow’s papers for anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising effort,” he added.
The funeral committee chairman, Engineer Vincent Kodera, noted that only 22 bodies were released from the morgue, adding that the remaining will be buried later following the request of family members.
Mourners from across the region are expected to gather for a joint mass ceremony on Saturday, which will bring together families, friends, leaders, and the wider community to honour the victims and offer support to those left behind.
