Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top
Their 60-year old mother, Mary Njeri, was later to be given more sad news that her sister, who had been sick, had also died/MIKE KARIUKI

Kenya

Kiambu family loses 3 members in one day

Their 60-year old mother, Mary Njeri, was later to be given more sad news that her sister, who had been sick, had also died/MIKE KARIUKI

Their 60-year old mother, Mary Njeri, was later to be given more sad news that her sister, who had been sick, had also died/MIKE KARIUKI

NAIROBI Kenya, Aug 28 – A family in Kiambu is in grief following the death of two brothers who suffocated on Tuesday while trying to clean an 80-foot well and their ailing aunty who passed away just a few hours after the incident.

30-year-old David Karanja had gone to clean the well, but after he went quiet in the deep pit, his younger brother Edward Kamau climbed down to save him. They both died in the well.

Their 60-year old mother, Mary Njeri, was later to be given more sad news that her sister, who had been sick, had also died.

Njeri’s sister had been ailing for a while, and she passed away at her home in Riguanga village of Kiambu.

“My two sons had gone to clean the well. When Kamau tried calling on his brother, he never answered. He (Kamau) decided to check on what has happened but they both died inside,” she narrated.

Njeri, who has single-handedly brought up her eight children – six sons and two daughters – is lost in grief. She will now have to help bring up her son Karanja’s five children.

“Only God knows why this happened…I have just prayed and I know He will see us through,” she told Capital FM News.

One of her surviving sons said their brother Karanja has left behind five children, the eldest one in Form three.

“I went as usual to do my casual job only to be called later and informed that my two brothers had died.”

John Gichu, who went to the well wishing he could help his two brothers, said he was half way the well but was overwhelmed since air inside was not sufficient.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“They were to be paid Sh1,000 for the job,” he remorsefully said.

Neighbours in Riguanga village have now come together to help in burial preparations for the three people from the same homestead in Ngewa Ward, Kiambu county.

Jackson Maina, who was supervising the two brothers, described the incident as tragic noting that the duo had been involved in digging of much deeper wells within the neighborhood.

“All measures were taken before the exercise. They had even ordered a machine to pump air and Karanja had ascertained there was enough air,” he recalled.

Ngewa Ward Representative, Karungo wa Thang’wa has also urged well wishers to support the family.

“This family requires our prayers and support during these tough times; I also urge the County government to ensure the kids left are assured of a better future even without their father,” he pleaded.

The three will be buried on a day yet to be set by the family members.

About The Author

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News