Sombre mood as six family members in fatal road crush laid to rest

The caskets bearing the bodies of members of a family who perished in a road accident at complex on the Nakuru- Kericho highway on January 3, 2019. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

A sombre mood engulfed a village in Nyakach, Kisumu County, as six members of a family who died in a road accident were buried.

Relatives and friends wept  as they eulogised Ishmael Ogege, 67, his son Fredrick Ochieng and grandchildren Sharon Oyugi, Agnes Omuya, Edmond Owino and Laura Akoth.

They perished when a vehicle they were travelling in crashed at Londiani, Kericho County three weeks ago.

Ogege’s widow, Millicent  Otieno, was overwhelmed with emotions as she struggled to recount their decades-old blissful marriage.

The burial rites started with a series of solemn songs that were led by the Anglican Church of Kenya, Bishop Joshua Owiti of Maseno East Diocese.

Earlier on, Vicar of ACK Pap Onditi Canon Shadrack Owuor conducted the service and asked mourners to humble themselves before Lord and pray for the departed.

Rev William Bett from Londiani ACK parish where the deceased used to pray called for peace and national reconciliation.

He told mourners that they should live with each other in peace and harmony as that was the kind of love that God wants from all of us.

“Let us love one another, pray for each other and wish everyone success in their dreams and aspirations,’’ said Reverend Bett.

Then Bishop Owiti upon noticing the presence of politicians cautioned them against politicking at the funeral.

But Bishop Owiti caused a stir when he told the politicians they should not attack Deputy President William Ruto, however, they should praise ODM leader Raila Odinga.

His statement amused many who were pensively seated as they spoke, after he warned earlier that the church would not condone politics during the burial rites ceremony.

And the politicians in honour of the Bishop’s plea kept away from politics and completely avoided the 2022 succession politics.

The funeral service was conducted by the ACK Bishop Emeritus Dr Francis Mwai Abiero, who asked the youth to guard against deviant behaviours that put their lives at risk.

‘’We are praying for the youth to change their behaviour so that they can lead a long life,’’ said Bishop Abiero.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, former assistant Minister for Trade Peter Odoyo and former MPs Aloo Ogeka and Polynes Ochieng, were also present.