The ill-fated Kathonzweni - Kangundo bound bus that killed 23 people in a road accident on August 20, 2011. Photo/BOB ODALO
By BOB ODALO and JOHN KISU
Posted Sunday, August 21 2011 at 08:40
Posted Sunday, August 21 2011 at 08:40
Four family members were among 23 people who perished on Saturday night after a minibus plunged into Uwaani river near Mbumbuni market, Mbooni location.
IMAGE GALLERY
Among the dead were Mr Richard Munene Makau, 60, his two sons and his grandchild.
According to area police boss Mr David Kirui, the driver lost control of the vehicle and plunged into Wani river killing 23 people instantly.
At least 34 people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Machakos District Hospital.
The accident, which occurred at 9:30pm was ferrying passengers from Kathonzweni location where they attended a dowry ceremony.
On Friday, Mr Munene was accompanied by his wife Ruth Munene, 55, family members and friends from Kawethei location, Kangundo District to his wife's ancestral home in Kathonzweni location to settle the last dowry negotiation.
The Kamba community has several requirements in the payment of dowry; the first being Ntheo, which involves slaughtering of three goats by the groom’s party and shared with in-laws.
The second, Ngasya, is paid gradually when a couple begin living together as husband and wife. Here, the husband is required to present several gifts to his wife's parents as spelt by their clan.
The ceremony which took place on Saturday was conducted by a Catholic Priest.
On concluding the ceremony, the wife to the deceased opted not to travel but instead she decided to get her medication from a local chemist, while her family members and friends departed on Saturday evening for Kawethei location.
Some of the accident victims who sustained serious injuries have been referred to Kenyatta National Hospital.
Rescue efforts at the accident scene were hampered by ill-equipped instruments as local residents used machetes and axes to cut through the wreckage to save the survivors.
The minibus was towed to Tawa Police post.
According to one of the survivors the matatu was over-speeding before the accident.
“The minibus, which had over 50 passengers lost control at Uwaani river after hitting a rock before it swerved and rolled" says Zainab Mzee.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has sent message of condolence to the families, relatives and friends of those who perished in the road accident.
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“Its very saddening that so many lives are lost on our roads every other day, all stakeholders in the transport industry should actively
play their role in preventing accidents” he said.
play their role in preventing accidents” he said.
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