The government has promised to cover the full cost of the funeral programme for the victims of the recent bus crash in Kisumu, which claimed at least 26 lives.
According to Vincent Kodera, chairperson of the funeral committee, the government will cover the costs of the programme, including mortuary bills, coffins and transport.
“The government is meeting burial and medical costs, but the situation in this village is dire. Some homes have been wiped clean, leaving children without parents. The pay bill will help support the families during the mourning period and after burial,” Kodera said.
He also revealed that the government would cover the medical expenses of all 26 survivors admitted to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
He added that the committee will liaise with the families to ensure the burial programme runs smoothly.
The burial of the 26 individuals who died in the fatal accident is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, in Koguta village, Nyakach Sub-county, Kisumu.
According to Kodera, a requiem mass will be held on Thursday at the Naki AIC Church in Nyakach, after which the bodies will be taken to Koguta for a night vigil on Friday.
The funeral service will take place at Naki Primary School on Saturday, after which the bereaved will bury their loved ones.
Kodera added that the committee had opened a pay bill number, 8010747, to help raise funds for the bereaved families.
In a speech after the fatal incident, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o consoled the bereaved. He revealed that his office is working with the relevant authorities to provide any requisite support to the families.
"On behalf of the County Government of Kisumu, we condole with the bereaved and offer our prayers to those who sustained injuries and continue to receive medical attention at different facilities. We stand with the people of Nyakach and Nyahura during this trying moment.”
“My Office is working with all relevant authorities to provide any requisite support at the moment as we continue to urge for caution on our roads and by the road as we urge caution on our roads," he said.
Several other leaders joined the governor in offering condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Among them was Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, who stood with Nyong’o in consoling the accident victims.
