The vehicle is seen tripping into the river, Kenyan media later reporting that there were at least 60 aboard the ill-fated Catholic Minor Seminary bus.
Rescue efforts that started off with locals and later involved multi-agency operations including divers from the Kenya Navy succeeded in rescuing at least a dozen people, according to local media reports.
The driver had waited for some two hours before deciding to cross the bridge, according to reports.
Br. Stephen Kang'ethe who was driving the bus and his confrere, Br. Kenneth Wanzala Okinda, have both been confirmed dead, multiple sources told ACI Africa about the two members of the Brothers of St. Peter Claver, a Machakos Diocese-based Religious Order that was founded by the first Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese, Archbishop John Joseph McCarthy.
Credit: Courtesy Photo
The bus was destined to St. Joseph Nuu Parish where one of the brothers of a member of the Clergy of Kitui Diocese was to solemnize his marriage, a source accompanying some of the bereaved family members told ACI Africa Sunday, December 5, referencing Fr. Benson Kityambyu.
St. Cecilia choir had been “invited by the daughter to the bride and bridegroom who happened to be the choir matron”, the source further said.
Fr. Kityambyu has lost 11 family members, the source added, explaining that as a Parish choir, members are expected to be drawn from the same Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and families; and some of the occupants of the bus were to play the role of flower girls at the Catholic ceremony.
“The couple whose marriage was solemnized lost two daughters and two grandchildren,” the source further said, adding that 33 bodies have reportedly been recovered, including that of Br. Kang'ethe who was driving the bus, and that of Br. Okinda had been recovered.
Credit: Courtesy Photo
Some members of the St. Cecilia choir shortly before the tragic accident. Credit: Courtesy Photo
Credit: Courtesy Photo
