Relative recounts narrowly escaping Gilgil accident that killed 13 family members
By Wangari Njunguna, September 29, 2025Rodovic Gikonyo, a family member who lost 13 relatives in a horrific road accident in Nakuru on Sunday, September 28, 2025, has detailed his last-minute cancellation of his trip.
Gikonyo said he was part of the team that had planned to attend the family event in Rongai, Nakuru, but two days before, something came up and forced him to stay back.
He said their son, who is in boarding school, had called home to say there was an issue that needed to be addressed.
Elsewhere, Road Safety Association of Kenya National Chairman David Kiarie attributed road carnage to a racket involving the acquisition of driving licenses without undergoing mandatory training.
“We agreed that I would be left behind to take care of the child’s needs and the mother would join the others on the trip,” Gikonyo stated.
“I would have been part of the trip, but my life was spared because I didn’t go,” he added.
Gikonyo said he lost both parents, four sisters, six cousins, an uncle, and his two daughters in the accident.
He said the family has been dealt a huge blow by losing 16 people at once.
Family appeals for help
He added that, although no plans have been made for the burial, the family is appealing for help to raise funds for the post-mortem, stating that the cost for each body is Ksh15,000, and they are unable to raise the total amount of Ksh195,000.
He also said they will need to transfer the bodies closer to home, which is another expense.
“We are appealing to the county and national government to help us in undertaking this process because we don’t have the capacity to raise the money,” he remarked.
The community and leaders joined the family to console them over the tragic loss.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata, through his social media platform, expressed his sympathy to the family, promising to stand with and support them.
“Murang’a County extends its heartfelt condolences to the family that lost its loved ones yesterday in an accident along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. The county will endeavour to give support to the family,” read part of his message.
On his part, Kandara Member of Parliament Chege Njuguna also sent a message of condolence to the family, promising to offer support.
“My thoughts are with you all. May you find strength to endure the pain, and may the souls of the departed find eternal peace,” read Chege’s message.