Garissa terror victim's mother buried as kin seek help

Garrisa university student Racheal Munjiru Gikonyo in a wheel chair during the burial of her mother Joyceline Waitherero Gikinyo in Gathaithi village in Murang'a where the family appealed for support to facilitate her travel to India to seek specialized treatment. PHOTO: BONIFACE GIKANDI

MURANG'A: A woman who developed health complications after her daughter was injured during the Garissa University terror attack has been buried in Murang'a.

Joyceline Waitherero, mother to Rachael Munjiru, was laid to rest as the family appealed for financial support to enable it overcome challenges it has gone through since April last year after the terror attack.

Munjiru, who is confined in a wheel chair, is presently getting treatment at the National Spinal Hospital in Nairobi, awaiting to be taken for specialised treatment in India.

She eulogised her mother as caring, loving and one who supported her family without discrimination.
The second year student accompanied by medical officers visited her home in Gathaithi for the first time since she was admitted in hospital.
"My mother was a regular visitor at the hospital but stopped coming after her health condition worsened," she said.

During the emotional burial ceremony at Gathaithi AIPCA Church, leaders who included MPs Sabina Chege( Murang'a), Irungu Kang'ata (Kiharu) and Chris Omulele (Luanda) pledged assistance, saying it was a double tragedy for the family.
Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria pledged to buy a return air ticket for the student and deposit a further Sh500,000 to cater for her treatment.

Assistance to the family can be sent through Mpesa Paybill number 316299 and the account name is Rachael Munjiru Gikonyo medical fund.