Kenyans joined the Kenyatta University fraternity in mourning the loss of 11 students who perished in a road accident at Maungu in Voi Monday evening.
Faces of families of victims of the grisly road accident were heavy with sorrow as they followed proceedings of the memorial service at the university's graduation square on Sunday.
A sombre mood engulfed the institution as friends, comrades and parents paid glowing tribute to their sons and daughters.
A father was overwhelmed by emotions as he recounted how he had lost two daughters in road accidents in a span of a year.
The father to Oslo Mwendwa, one of the students who perished in the road accident, spoke of how it pains him to have lost his second daughter.
"One year ago, one month probably a few hours, I stood before a congregation like this one in Kiambu Road to mourn the passing of my daughter Mitchel through a tragic road accident in Kiambu Road," the father said while giving his tribute.
"On that day, Oslo stood beside me as the only beacon of hope, today the brother stands beside me as the family bids tribute to Oslo," he added.
Oslo's father said the family is devastated and shattered by the passing of their daughter.
He eulogised his daughter Oslo as a remarkable soul whose kindness knew no bounds.
"Her gentle words and comforting presence were a beacon of hope in times of darkness. Oslo's boldness was truly inspiring, she fiercely stood for what she believed in, never backing down from a challenge or shying away from the truth. Her courage ignited fires of change and poured those around her to all stand tall and be assertive," he said.
Oslo's father said her daughter could force unity among other people.
He said Oslo saw beyond differences, embracing each person with an open heart and genuine smile.
He described her smile as one which could light up the darkest of rooms.
Oslo was among the 11 KU students who died in a road crash on Monday.
The students were among a group of 58 who were heading to Mombasa for an academic trip when one of their school buses collided with a trailer at Maungu in Voi.
On Sunday, KU held a memorial service to mourn the students.
They were joined by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Education CS Ezekiel Machogu among others.
Mama Rachel in her speech extended her condolences to the families as well as the institution.
"We are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of these young future leaders across various spheres of life. They were shining examples to their peers and sources of pride and joy to their families and communities," she said.
Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina extended a heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support from the University community.