Memorial service held for Nakuru learners killed by lightning

Caskets bearing the remains of Mkulima Primary School pupils; Richard Kennedy Omurwa,12, Peter Mucheru Kamau, 13 and Ezekiah Okibo, 8 during their burial ceremony at the school's grounds on January 22,2020. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION.

What you need to know:

  • At least three boys were killed and 50 others injured when lightning struck the school on Friday evening as they sought shelter in their classrooms.
  • Their parents and other mourners called upon the government to ensure the safety of pupils at the school.

Two among the three pupils who were killed by a lightning strike in Kuresoi North were laid to rest Wednesday as parents called for safety of their children at school.

Hundreds of mourners thronged Mkulima Primary School in the remote Nyota village where the joint memorial service for the slain pupils was conducted.

At least three boys were killed and 50 others injured when lightning struck the school on Friday evening as they sought shelter in their classrooms.

The injured were rushed to Kuresoi and Nakuru Level Five hospitals where they were treated and discharged.

The three namely Ezekiel Okiiba, Peter Mucheru and Richard Omurwa were pronounced dead upon arrival at the Kuresoi Health Centre.

Their parents and other mourners called upon the government to ensure the safety of pupils at the school.

TRAGIC LOSS

Mr Joseph Kamau who lost his last born Peter Mucheru was hardest hit by the tragedy having already lost four other members of his family.

Out of his eleven children, Mr Kamau now mourns the loss of five.

“I do not understand why it has to be me who is mourning every time. It is so painful for a parent to keep burying his own children one after the other. Peter was my only son whom I loved and had so much hope in. I however leave everything to God,” he said.

The bodies of Peter Mucheru and Ezekiel Okiiba were buried yesterday at their homes in Kuresoi North while Richard Omurwa is expected to be transferred to Kisii County for burial.

After the tragedy, the Nakuru county government took up the medical and funeral expenses.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui who attended the meeting condoled with the family and promised to look into the upgrading of the institution.