The families of two young girls who tragically lost their lives in a road accident on January 26, 2024, at Daraja Moja area in Kisii County, have spoken about the profound closeness the friends shared.
Nicole Nyamoita, 17, and Ivy Kerubo, 16, who were awaiting admission to universities, had been inseparable since childhood, often spending vacations together at each other’s homes.
Their deep bond was so strong that strangers often mistook them for twins due to the evident closeness in their relationship, always preferring to engage in activities together.
However, the girls have now been separated by death after being hit by a vehicle carrying construction materials at the Daraja Moja intersection on the Kisii-Keroka road.
Nicole, who completed her KCSE at Kisumu Girls High School with a B+ grade, and Ivy, who scored a B at Moi Tea Girls School, had promising academic futures. Nicole, the second-born in a family of two, faced financial constraints, and her mother, Caroline Mogotu, single-handedly took on the responsibility of providing her with quality education through a small business in Bobaracho trading center.
While awaiting university admission later in 2024, Nicole enrolled in the Ajiry Program, initiated by the Kisii County government to help young people enhance their digital skills for online job opportunities.
Nicole’s grandmother, Eunice Mokeira, shared a poignant account of Nicole’s last moments.
“Nicole had a class on Friday evening at Gusii Stadium, where these program classes are usually held. After finishing, she came to my kiosk in Kisii town with her friend (Ivy). I bought them peanuts, and they left for home,” said Eunice Mokeira when interviewed at her home on Saturday morning.
Heartbreakingly, Eunice Mokeira later received a call informing her that her granddaughter and her friend were involved in the tragic accident at Daraja Moja.
Nicole’s aunt, Spinicah Makori, expressed the family’s grief and demanded answers about the accident. “It hurts. As a family, we are devastated. Because this was an accident, we demand answers. We need to know who caused the accident and if there is any compensation,” said Spinicah Makori.
Approximately two kilometers away from Nicole’s family, Ivy’s family is also mourning the loss of their daughter. One mourner remarked, “She has departed to justice too soon.”
Ivy’s mother, Alice Mogaka, a teacher, recalled the last moments she communicated with her expectant daughter.
“I was at school when she called me to inform me that she was coming from town with her friend. She told me that one of the universities she wished to join was providing guidance on course selection in Kisii town, so she requested permission to attend. I told my daughter to take care of herself, but she jokingly replied that she was now an adult and would return home before dark. She used to tell me how much she desired to pursue journalism, but when I heard about her death, I saw darkness ahead of me,” said Alice Mogaka, shedding tears.
Both families are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of their loved ones. Kisii Governor Simba Arati has sent condolences to the bereaved families and promised to stand with them during this difficult time.
