The Catholic Church in Kongoni, Naivasha, and the families of nine people who died in a road accident at the weekend will hold joint burial preparations.
During a church service to console the bereaved families, St Elizabeth Catholic Church agreed to hold a joint burial preparation ceremony for the nine.
Six other victims who were injured in the accident are recuperating at Naivasha Subcounty Hospital.
The accident occurred after a minibus carrying mourners from the church was hit by a lorry ferrying sand near Mafuta Taa centre on Mai Mahiu-Narok road. The nine were returning from a burial in Kisii.
Seven perished on the spot during the 2am incident and two died while undergoing treatment at Mai Mahiu and Naivasha hospitals.
Bishop David Kamau said the accident was a major blow to the families and the church.
He said the church will work closely with all those affected.
The cleric urged well-wishers to help give the nine a decent send-off.
“This marks one of the darkest days for this diocese and church. We shall continue to offer spiritual and moral support to those affected,” Kamau said.
Naivasha MP Jane Kihara said she does not understand why sand lorries operate at night. She said they should be banned from operating at night.
“This is not the first time that sand lorries operating at night have caused accidents. It's time sand harvesting at night is banned,” the legislator said.
Survivor Michael Ouma said the majority of those on the ill-fated bus were asleep and were woken by a loud bang.
“Due to the long journey, many of the passengers fell asleep. We are still not sure what happened but we are glad to be alive,” he said.
Those who died are Ayub Ondari, Maureen Nekesa, Irene Mueni, Imelda Mocheche, Teresiah Gichuru, Susan Wanjiru, Alex Mbugua, Augustine Okelo and Lydia Ondari.
The group had hired the bus from one of the flower farms and were on their way back from Kisii where they had travelled to bury a friend.
Edited by A.N
