Kakamega families mourn their children
What you need to know:
- Red Cross officials and an ambulance were on standby at the stadium.
The funeral service for 13 of the 14 pupils who died in a stampede was held at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County Friday.
One of them, Nailah Kiverenge, was buried on Wednesday in line with the Islamic faith.
Families and mourning residents began to stream into the venue Friday morning as a sombre mood rent the air.
Families streaming into Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega County on February 3, 2020. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Caskets bearing the remains of the 13 children who died in the tragedy at Kakamega Primary School were then brought in and lined up next to each other under a tent.
13 bodies of the late pupils in caskets during the funeral service at Bukhungu stadium, Kakamega County. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
County askaris and officials from the Red Cross, along with an ambulance, were at hand to attend to mourners as emotions ran high.
Religious leaders drawn from Protestant churches, Catholics and the Hindu religion led in praying for the affected families.
They sought God's intervention for protection against a repeat of the tragedy.
Leaders mourn
Political leaders were directed to proceed to the main podium as viewing of the bodies was not allowed at the time.
Leaders present at the service included Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Vihiga's Wilbur Ottichilo, Bungoma's Wycliffe Wangamati, Mandera's Ali Roba, Uasin Gishu's Jackson Mandago, Kisii's James Ongwae, Nandi's Stephen Sang, Trans-Nzoia's Patrick Khaemba, Murang'a's Mwangi wa Iria and Nyeri's Mutahi Kahiga.
Others were ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula, Education PS Belio Kipsang, Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Wilson Sossion, Masinde Muliro University Vice-Chancellor Prof Asenath Sigot, and Western Regional Commissioner Ann Ng'etich.
