The bodies of the 13 people who died in a grisly road accident in Mataara, Gatundu North sub-county on Saturday night have been moved to General Kago Funeral Home.
Gatundu North sub-county commissioner Daniel Nyamiti said Sunday the bodies were moved following an appeal from the family members and relatives of the deceased.
He said the accident occurred after the matatu they were travelling in plunged into Nyakibai River on the Mataara-Muranga Road.
The matatu had 17 passengers from Gathugu village in Kandara, Muranga County who were travelling from Nyahururu for a dowry payment ceremony.
Nyamiti who spoke in Kamwangi said seven people died on the spot, among them four children while the other two died as they were being taken to Gatura Hospital for treatment.
Four others died while undergoing treatment at Thika Level Five Hospital, he added.
John Kimani from Gathugu village, Kandara in Murang’a County who arrived at the scene at 2pm, said some of the dead are his neighbours.
“All the dead are from Gathugu in Kandara, Muranga County where I come from. I had not accompanied them for the ceremony but I came to help after I received a call informing me about the accident,” Kimani said.
Gituamba MCA Sammy Ng’ang’a who visited the accident scene condoled the bereaved families.
“I am personally sending my condolences to the families as I request drivers to avoid travelling at night and at the same time ensure their vehicles are in good condition before they commence any journey,” the MCA said.
One child, a boy, is still missing and police have launched a search to trace him.