A sombre mood engulfed Amariba village, Nyaribari Chache constituency in Kisii County on Friday during the burial of a couple and their child who died in a road accident two weeks ago along Kisii - Kericho road.
Danvas Maranga, 47, his wife, Beatrice Nyaboke, 44, and son, Gabriel Maranga aged two and a half years perished on their way home from Kericho county after they had escorted their daughter to Kabianga Kenya Medical Training College ( KMTC).
According to reports, a driver of a private car they were travelling in tried to overtake at a sharp corner near Keroka town and collided with an oncoming school bus from the opposite side.
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Nyaboke and Gabriel, who were sitting on the rear seat succumbed to injuries on the spot while Maranga died at a Kisii hospital where he had been rushed for treatment. The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated and discharged.
Residents said the incident is still shocking, adding they left behind three orphans who will be taken care of by relatives and well-wishers.
There were no speeches at the funeral and mourners were only allowed to pray for the family and sing to comfort the orphans.
Few speakers who defied the directive described the deceased couple as people who were hard-working, led a humble life and valued the education of their children.
Immediate former area Member of Parliament, Richard Tong’i a cousin to the deceased couple said their death was a loss to the family and the nation.
“It is disheartening to witness such a traumatizing situation where a couple and their young son lose their lives in a road accident,” Tong’I told mourners.
Area Member of Parliament, Zaheer Jhanda and Kisii county Deputy Governor Robert Monda attended the funeral conducted at Amariba Seventh Day Adventist ( SDA) Church ground.
The Deputy Governor who condoled with the family and delivered Governor Simba Arati’s condolence message said the county will support the children.
Describing the accident as shocking, Jihanda said it was a blow to the Gusii community and pledged to support the orphans to ensure they complete their education.
“We have never seen this. I will be available and support the children. Pray for the family” Jhanda said.
