Grief as Kenyatta varsity mourn 11 comrades killed in road accident

Several students feared dead after a Kenyatta University bus was involved in an accident on Monday, March 18. [Courtesy]

Grief engulfed Kenyatta University on Friday night as Kenyatta University students and management lit candles in remembrance of 11 students killed in a tragic road crash along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Road.

Led by Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) president Sarova Bonaya, the university community united in grief at Bishops Square Grounds.

They lit candles as they recounted the horrific incident that saw the university suspend learning for three days.

Students lighting candles at the university community united in grief at Bishops Square Grounds. [Gitau Wanyoike, Standard]

The students include, Vallary Akinyi,Navile Omondi Opiyo,Hellen Mbula Kisilu,Michael Muteti,Beneas Otieno,Patricia Murugi Mwangi,John Mbiriri Mureithi,Felix Gori Nyaata,Rodgers Kiprotich Rono,Oslo Mwendwa and Austine Omondi Owino.

According to Bonaya, the incident has left everyone at the university wounded.

"I believe your support and that of the great leaders of the institution, we shall continue healing. It takes God's guidance, it takes a strong heart for you to heal from this process as students, staff and family we shall all overcome this,"Bonaya said.

His sentiments were echoed by Prof Michael Gicharu, the university executive dean, School of Pure and Applied Sciences.

He represented the DVC academic Prof Waceke Wanjohi.

"Life is a journey and we all belong to God when we leave this world and move to the next world. Our colleagues have moved and this reminds us that as we continue with our studies and as we continue serving you, it's good to ask ourselves this question that if we are called today, how will it be with our soul,"Prof Gicheru said.

Gicharu noted that the university was able to mobilize resources and teams who managed to plan following the incident.

Speaker after another expressed the need for unity of purpose and care for one another during the mourning period.

The students rooted for oneness as further planning continued in preparation for the burial.

The departed students were from the Department of Health Management and Informatics in the School of Health Sciences.

Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina emphasized the importance of solidarity and support within the university community.

Counseling services were offered to ensure that students and staff received the necessary emotional support to cope with their grief.

"18 other students are recuperating at a hospital in Nairobi, two of them in critical condition. I assure you that the university will do all it can to make sure they receive the best treatment and resume their studies," Prof Wainaina said.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday at the university graduation grounds from 9.00am.