Family mourns death of patriarch, his son and grandson in a day

A Machakos businessman’s family is in deep mourning after three of its members died within 12  hours on Wednesday. 

The family of Samuel Mutunga — popularly known as Uncle Sam — a prominent furniture merchant in Machakos town, is reeling from the shock of losing him, his son and a grandson on the same day but at different hours.

First to die was Mutunga, who collapsed and died in his Kathe-kai home in the outskirts of the town early morning on Wednesday. 

At around 9.30pm his son, Roy Mwendwa, died when his car rammed into a 14-seater matatu at Kanaani area just a few kilometres from his father’s home. 

Mwendwa's son, who was in the same car, died minutes later at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital where he had been rushed alongside other injured accident victims for treatment.

Speaking to the press after the accident, Machakos Traffic Base Commander Harriet Kathure said  Mwendwa was travelling home from Machakos town in his car, with his cousin and son aboard when he collided with the Makos Sacco matatu at Kanaani area. 

She said the two drivers died instantly while the other passengers were rescued and rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where the minor was later pronounced dead.

The death of the trio has thrown residents into mourning as fellow businesspeople and clients of the family try to come to terms with the unusual loss.   They have expressed their sympathies and sadness over the occurrence.  -KNA