Low key funeral for victim of Tanzanian Car Crash

The casket bearing the remains of the late Linet Kamau who died following an accident in Arusha, Tanzania last week during her burial at the family home in Kiamabara, Mathira constituency Nyeri County. [Mose Sammy/Standard]

One of the Kenyans killed in a car crash in Tanzania last week was yesterday buried at her paternal grandparents’ home in Mathira, Nyeri.

Linet Mutio Kamau, 21, was eulogised as a social and outgoing young woman.

Leen, as her family fondly referred to her, was among four occupants of a red Mitsubishi Colt that was involved in an accident at Ol Donyo Sambu, 25km to Arusha from the Namanga border crossing in Tanzania.

The other three occupants were IT specialist Onesmus Mwange, Robin Kiambuthi - who was Patrick Njiru's son and a nephew of Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici.

Speaking during the funeral, family, friends, colleagues and former teachers all expressed shock and sadness at Leen's death.

Njai Mwangi, who spoke on behalf of her father George Kamau, said Linet and her younger sister grew up alongside his children to the extent he felt she was part of his family.

“I have known this family for the longest time. We have raised our children together, and her smile was ever present, brightening up our days as parents,” he said.

Mr Mwangi told mourners Mr Kamau and his wife Virginia Wavinya had brought up a good girl, who had a great future. He said it was unfortunate that she had died in such a tragic manner.

Speaking on behalf of Wavinya, Margaret Ngugi asked the youth to take care of themselves and treasure every moment they were alive. “As parents, we must counsel and pray for our children to spend their lives in the service of God,” she stated.

Ann Ndirangu, Linet's employer at CJs Village Market, said she had only worked for four days before her death.

"She was ambitious and I told her she did a marvelous job. Just one hour after I had called her to tell her I was happy with her work, the worst happened," Ms Ndirangu said.

Her friends, most of whom turned up to the ceremony wearing black t-shirts, huddled together near the family members, occasionally overcome by grief.