Six Kitui school children killed in accident buried in sombre mood

The six children who lost their lives on September 13 when they were hit by a Probox car as they walked to school were buried at their respective  homes in Ikutha, Kitui South, on Friday.

There was an outpouring of grief and sympathy during the funeral service at Kyoani chief’s camp grounds that was attended by a multitude of mourners.

They service was held a short distance from where the car ploughed into the six children as they walked to school along the Kitui-Kibwezi road, killing them on the spot.

Three pupils were from Kyoani Primary School while three students were from Kyoani Secondary School.

They were named as Alice Mwikali born in 2011 (Grade 6), Elijah  Kamene born in 2015 (Grade 3), Jacinta Njeru born in 2009 (Form 1), Bridgit Vaati  born in 2010 (Form 1), Susan  Mueni born in  2009 (Form 3) and Naomi Mulatya born in 2015.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe attributed the death of the children to recklessness by drivers who speed on the road without minding other users. 

Malombe said his administration would stand with the bereaved families including offering psychosocial support and counselling, even as he called for the creation of speed bumps along the road.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in his condolence message read on his behalf by Fred Kiiru said the impact of the loss was immeasurable to the Kyoani community.

Senator Enoch Wambua said the newly tarmacked Kitui–Kibwezi road had 11 dangerous blackspots that should have been identified and marked to reduce accidents.

Meanwhile, Kitui county commissioner Kipchumba Rutto said he was alarmed by the increasing number of accidents and loss of life along the road.

by MUSEMBI NZENGU