By Lauryne Akoth
Kenyatta University held a candlelight Tribute on Wednesday at Bishop Square Grounds in memory of the students who passed away on Sunday, in a tragic car accident at Maungu, Taita Taveta.
The vigil commenced at 6 p.m., coinciding with the arrival of injured students and those recalled to the school in solidarity with their peers. The school provided counselling services to injured students to help them cope with the trauma. The school’s management board was well represented with various Deputy Vice Chancellors present for the event.
Members of the student Council including the President of the Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) Bonaya Rhova led the students in mourning the fallen comrades. A moment of silence was observed for the 11 students.
Speaking at the event, the KUSA president noted that he was in Mombasa at the time of the accident and reacted swiftly to assist in the evacuation process.” In the face of adversity, let us find strength in our Unity and resilience. As the Kenyatta University fraternity, we shall overcome this and emerge stronger than before.”
The registrar of academics, present at the event, conveyed condolences on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wainaina. Amidst the emotionally charged atmosphere, many students gathered to mourn their friends. The weight of the situation overwhelmed the surviving students, prompting the presence of standby first aiders to offer assistance.
In her address, the Director of student affairs took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the University’s management for their prompt response in the evacuation of the students to Nairobi in conjunction with AMREF flying doctors and the Kenya Red Cross.
She also showed appreciation to the County Government of Taita Taveta for their assistance. “The Voi community showed remarkable solidarity. The students’ ward was filled with community members offering condolences and support,” she remarked.
Additionally, she expressed thanks to Taita-Taveta University for their prompt response during the accident, providing aid and sending counsellors to support the injured students.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance passed his condolences on behalf of the Administration and finance division and urged the students to take heart and honour the memory of the students by celebrating the great moments they had.
He also encouraged the students to visit their colleagues admitted to Avenue Hospital and support them during the difficult time.
The University’s management provided candles for the vigil was held in decorrum. The students were divided into 11 groups, each assigned to light candles representing the 11 students. The school band and choir led the musical performances throughout the event.
The Director of Student Affairs announced that candlelight tributes in memory of the deceased would continue for the remaining two days of mourning.
On behalf of the Kenyatta University fraternity, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the bereaved.