City Affairs

KU appeals for support after tragic accident claimed lives of 11 students

Kenyatta University main campus. (KU)

By Lucy Mumbi | Saturday, March 23, 2024

The students who were involved in the accident were from the School of Public Health.

Kenyatta University (KU) has appealed for financial support following a tragic road accident that killed 11 students and left many nursing students with serious injuries.

In a notice on Saturday, the institution requested support to help cover the medical, funeral, and other expenses.

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“The tragedy has left our KU community shaken. We sincerely appreciate your prayers, thoughts, and compassion at this time,” read the notice.

Donors wishing to channel their support have been asked to send their contributions through Equity Bank Branch: Kenyatta University, Account Name: Kenyatta University, Account Number: 1130296626073, Swift Code: EQBLKENAXXX.

MPESA users have been urged to send support through pay bill number 247247 and account 1130296626073.

On March 24, 2024, the institution will hold an interdenominational memorial service at the graduation square at 9 am, in honor of the departed souls.

"Together, we will pay tribute, celebrate, and commemorate the lasting impact of these exceptional individuals,” Director of Public Relations and Communications Machua Koinange said.

The students who were involved in the accident were from the School of Public Health.

The 11 people who died in the accident along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Road are Navile Omondi Opiyo, Beneas Otieno, Hellen Mbula Kisilu, Michael Muteti, Vallary Akinyi Ouma and Oslo Mwendwa.

Others are Felix Gori Nyaata, Austine Omondi Owino, Rodger Kiprotich Rono, John Mbiriri Mureithi and Patricia Murugi Mwangi.

The bodies of the 11 were transported to Kenyatta University Hospital Morgue, where they are preserved awaiting burial.

On Friday, students and management held a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of the 11 students. 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.

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

“I believe that with 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.

University executive dean of the School of Pure and Applied Sciences Michael Gicharu reminded the students to contemplate their spiritual well-being amidst their academic pursuits and service to others.