Preparations are underway in Nyakach, Kisumu County, for the burial of 26 victims of last week’s tragic road accident. The accident, which left the community in deep mourning, also injured 26 others who remain admitted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
A committee led by Vincent Kodera is overseeing the burial arrangements, working closely with the bereaved families to ensure a smooth programme. According to Kodera, the national government has taken over the entire burial and medical programme, covering mortuary bills, coffins, transport, and treatment for survivors.
The requiem mass will be held on Thursday at Naki AIC Church in Nyakach. On Friday, the bodies will be moved to Koguta village for a night vigil. The main burial ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, at Naki Primary School, after which families will proceed to lay their loved ones to rest.
While acknowledging the government’s intervention, Kodera noted that the impact of the tragedy has left some households completely devastated, with children orphaned and homes left without breadwinners. To support affected families beyond burial costs, the committee has opened a KCB Paybill number (8010747) to receive contributions.
“The government is handling burial and medical costs, but the situation here is dire. Some families have lost everything. The funds raised will help them during this mourning period and in the future,” Kodera said, adding that the village’s close-knit nature has amplified the emotional toll of the disaster.
South East Nyakach MCA Lumumba Owade confirmed that the fund had received a Sh1 million boost from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and appealed to Kenyans to extend their generosity to the affected families.
Upper Nyakach Assistant County Commissioner Dawin Orina assured residents that adequate security has been deployed to maintain order throughout the programme. He urged calm, promising that the government would not only shoulder the immediate costs but also provide additional support to cushion those affected.
As the community prepares to bid farewell to the victims, the mood in Nyakach remains sombre, with residents uniting in grief and solidarity, determined to give their loved ones a dignified send-off.
