Family that lost seven relatives receives Sh350,000

Rescue efforts at the scene of the collapsed building. The family that lost seven relatives in the collapsed Huruma building has received Sh350,000 to facilitate burials. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The family that lost seven relatives in the collapsed Huruma building has received Sh350,000 to facilitate burials.

Family spokesperson John Awiti yesterday said the County Government of Nairobi had given them Sh50,000 for each of the seven relatives.

“We have been facilitated by the county and we hope to start transporting our loved ones home for burial as from tomorrow (today),” Mr Awiti said.

Despite the long wait, Awiti was happy that the county government had kept its promise.

He, however, expressed his disappointment that a pledge of Sh20,000 more from the national government had not come forth as expected.

“We have been told to wait; we don't know for how long. But we cannot stop burials on such grounds. If it comes well and good, if it doesn't, life goes on,” he said.

The Sh20,000 was promised by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki. 

Bodies of Pascalate Akoth, Belinda Akinyi and together with her two children will be transported today to Homa Bay and Siaya counties for burial.

Others are Susan Anyango, Ruth Auma, Gavine Omondi whom Awiti said will be laid to rest by May 29.

On May 12, The Standard had highlighted the dilemma Awiti’s family was facing over the proposed amount of Sh50,000 per family which deeply disadvantaged them.

He had argued that not all the seven were to be buried in the same area and on the same day.

Huruma's Ngei Ward administrator Allan Isaboke said a decision was later made to pay Sh50,000 for every victim.

“We have already started paying and hopefully by Friday we will be done with all the 51 victims. A total of Sh2.5 million will be paid out,” Mr Isaboke said.

The administrator, however, noted that late submission of relevant papers like burial permits from the victims’ area chiefs was slowing down the compensation process.