Raila mourns Kitui accident victims
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has today joined Kenyans in mourning the demise of 18 people who reportedly drowned after a bus with 30 passengers plunged into River Enziu in Ngune Village, Mwingi Central in Kitui.
The passengers who were choir members of Mwingi Catholic Church were heading for a wedding in the Nuu area from Mwingi Town on Saturday before they were involved in the accident.
In his message of condolences, the former prime minister said it was shocking, as it is painful for men and women on a mission to help establish a new family and a new home dying before they accomplish their mission.
"It is with deep shock, I have learnt of the accident in which tens of choir members of Mwingi Catholic Church died in River Enzui in Kitui, the incident is as shocking as it is painful; men and women on a mission to help establish a new family and a new home perished before accomplishing their mission," Raila said.
Raila took the opportunity to warn Kenyans to be careful on the roads during the festive season, rainy season.
He further appealed to relevant authorities to remain alert and guide Kenyans during this period on the dark spots on the road, including the roads, bridges and rivers that are prone to sudden flooding
"The short rains are here with us. The rains are unpredictable in frequency and intensity, i further appeal remain to the authorities to remain alert and guide our people during this period on the dark spots on the road, including the roads, bridges and rivers that are prone to sudden flooding," Raila said.
According to Mwingi East Sub-County Commander Joseph Yakan, the driver of the bus was attempting to drive the vehicle past a flooded bridge when water tides overpowered the vehicle, sweeping it into the river.
The ODM leader also appealed to the same authorities to reach out to the affected families and offer a helping hand with regard to burial and hospital expenses for those undergoing treatment without excluding those affected in Bondo, Siaya County.
"I further appeal to the authorities to reach out to the affected families and offer a helping hand with regard to burial and hospital expenses for those undergoing treatment. The same help should be extended to families in Bondo, Siaya County, where scores were caught in a mining accident after walls collapsed," Raila said.
