Sombre mood as Molo village buries six accident victims

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a Joint funeral service at Arimi Primary School in Molo sub county on May 15,2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

A sombre mood engulfed Arimi village in Molo, Nakuru County, during a joint funeral service of eight people who died in a road accident that claimed twelve lives last Thursday.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika led the mourners in condoling the families who lost their loved ones at a blackspot along the Njoro-Molo Road.

Six victims were laid to rest at their respective homes yesterday, including Nixon Mbano, Peninah Wambui, Jacinta Wambui, Tabitha Muthoni, Paul Chege, and Samson Mburu.

Emotions ran high as the families eulogized the departed loved ones, with Elburgon DEB Senior School among the hardest hit by the tragedy that involved a matatu and a lorry.

“Peninah and Nixon were not only learners but cherished members of our school. One of our Form Four students also lost a parent in the accident,” the school said in a statement.

Paul Njoroge, father to the late Nixon Mbano, brought the mourners to tears as he eulogized her son.

“You were thoughtful of the people you loved. My son, you brought so much happiness, but now I can only give thanks for the time He gave you to us,” said Njoroge.

The Deputy President took note of the affected school, terming the deaths of the young students a huge loss to the country.

“It is a sad situation that among those whom we are bidding goodbye today are as young as 17 years. They had a life to live, but their lives were prematurely cut short,” said Kindiki.

The accident occurred after the matatu suffered brake failure coupled with a tire burst that saw it roll on the road before ramming into an oncoming lorry.

“The students had boarded the matatu due to a lack of alternative means home. I will give a bus as a consolation to the school and hope it will ensure students are dropped off at home safely,” said Kindiki.

The DP noted that the national government had been informed of the defective road design and the unfriendly terrain that had led to multiple crashes at the spot.

“Next week, we shall deploy an engineer to assess the notorious blackspots on the Njoro-Molo Road for redesigning and expansion as was done at the infamous Nithi Bridge,” said Kindiki.

Governor Kihika, who recently delivered twins, was moved to tears by the death of Tabitha Muthoni, who left behind a six-month-old baby to a young father of two.

“As a new mother myself, Muthoni’s death has touched me. She had just stepped out, leaving behind her infant at home, but never made it back. I will extend personal support to ensure the child is taken care of,” said Kihika.

The leaders took the opportunity to hit out at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his newly formed political party Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

 “Those who are forming new parties, there is no problem. We however don’t want any incitement, divisive politics because we know how painful it can get,” said Kindiki.

Kindiki said that Kenyan voters will have the final say at the ballot, adding that the country’s politics are no longer founded on political parties but on solutions.

“Some of those making noise out there have held senior government positions. They should not forget that they will be judged by their performance while in office,” said Kindiki.

On her part, Kihika said that tribalism should not be given space in the Kenyan politics in this era.

“I have seen some people form parties that appear anchored in a particular region and community. We don’t want that. We want inclusivity and unity of our people at all levels,” said Kihika.

 The sentiments were echoed by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, who said that they will not allow the voters who stood for the current administration to land in the opposition.

“Only fools can drive themselves to the opposition as they watch. This is a government we fought very hard for and we are not leaving it for any other formation,” said Kimani.