Ruto donates Sh2m to families of 11 KU students killed in road crash

Rachel Ruto attends the requiem of the 11 Kenyatta University students who perished in an accident. [Samson Wire, Standard]

President William Ruto has donated Sh2 million to support the families of 11 Kenyatta University students who perished in an accident last week.

The funds were handed to the families by First Lady Rachel Ruto during a memorial service organised by the KU fraternity on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

While addressing the mourners, Rachel urged motorists to exercise caution at all times on the roads.

"I am sad to see the lives of our comrades put off so suddenly. The 11 students we lost were not just students, they were family both here at college and in their respective homes. They were bright students, full of potential, eager to learn, graduate and go out to conquer the world," the first lady said.

She added: "In moments of such a profound loss, it is often so difficult to find solace, yet as Psalms 34:18 reminds us, and I quote, "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who have cried in spirit". Let us take comfort in these words, drawing strength from our faith in God and our love for each other."

A parent inconsolable during the requiem held for the 11 victims on March 24, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The 11 lost their lives while travelling for a school trip to Mombasa when the bus collided with a truck in Maungu near Voi town.

Families appealed to the government to help them foot the funeral bills. They made their plea after a post-mortem examination exercise at the KU funeral home.

The post-mortem examination results established that all 11 died as a result of severe head injuries sustained during the accident.

The post-mortem was conducted on Thursday last week.