Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi, has announced that his government will cater for all the medical and funeral expenses of the Nithi bridge accident victims.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, July 26, Kiraitu stated that his government would assist the county government of Tharaka Nithi in catering for the expenses to treat survivors and bury those who perished in the Sunday, July 24 accident.
Extending moral support to the victims, Kiraitu added that his government would ensure that survivors receive financial aid.
"My government will offer all the necessary support to the affected families. This would include support for the burial for those who have lost their lives and also medical treatment both at Chuka and Chogoria hospitals," Kiraitu announced.
At the same time, the Meru governor warned motorists against flouting traffic rules while plying Meru routes. The first-time governor noted that his government would crackdown on rogue motorists.
According to the police, 18 men, 14 women and two children died in the crash.
Chuka police base commander, Philip Ekakolo, blamed brake failure as the cause of the accident at the notorious Nithi bridge blackspot.
"Twenty passengers, including the driver and conductor, died on the spot while the rest died as they were receiving treatment at Chuka County Referral Hospital," Ekakolo stated.
One of the victims of the crash was a businessman who had travelled to Meru and was on his way back to Embu, which is his workplace.
He was among the 45 aboard the ill-fated Modern Coast bus heading to Mombasa from Maua, Meru.
Another crash victim was a Meru National Polytechnic student pursuing a Diploma in Information Technology in his final year.
The student had spent two years without visiting his family, that resides in Mombasa.
"On Friday, July 22, he was excited about the thought of reuniting with his family after being away for two years," one of his friends eulogised him.
A nurse who had received a job offer letter also perished in the accident that claimed at least 34 people.
In 2017, Tharaka Nithi governor, Muthomi Njuki, had promised to redesign the bridge within 100 days in office.
