Church in joint burial plans for Mai Mahiu crash victims

The Catholic Church in Kongoni, Naivasha and the families of the nine mourners who lost their lives in an accident over the weekend will hold joint burial preparation meetings.

During a church service to console the bereaved families, St Elizabeth Catholic Church agreed to hold a joint burial preparation ceremony for the nine.

This came as the nine victims were identified while six others who were seriously injured continued to recuperate at Naivasha sub-county hospital.

The accident occurred after a mini-bus carrying mourners from the church was hit by a lorry ferrying sand near Mafuta Taa Centre along the Mai Mahiu-Narok road.

Seven of the victims died on the spot during the 2am incident while two others passed on while undergoing treatment at Mai Mahiu and Naivasha hospitals.

Bishop David Kamau from Nakuru Diocese termed the accident as a major blow not only to the families but also to the church. He said that the church would work closely with all the affected as he called on well-wishers to join hands in giving the nine a decent send-off.

“This marks one of the darkest days for this diocese and church and we shall continue to offer spiritual and moral support to those affected,” he said.

Naivasha MP Jane Kihara decried sand transporters plying the road at night.