It drizzled towards the end of the funeral. A sign perhaps. Martha rushed to get her children under the tent, as Jason rushed for an umbrella from their car. The rain in the Rift Valley's lush farming lands was always a wonderful sight to behold but, today, Jason barely took in the features, his sombre features barely describing the loss of his cousin, Wesley. He knew they would have to sleep in until the next day, as the county roads would be impassable.
Wesley and Jason had been friends for years, since Secondary School in Mogotio, off. They had studied in different universities but, had kept in touch. Jason was a stand-up kind of guy. He'd always be there to support his family and friends. Kiptoo was the party-hopper, he knew everybody and everywhere. He was an ambitious Copywriter in an Advertising Agency. Respected by colleagues and competitors, Wesley was recognised by a South African based Agency and worked in Johannesburg, for a few years. His first marriage, before his overseas stint, didn't work out well. She'd gone on to marry within a few months of the divorce but, the marriage didn't last. Wesley's time overseas helped him reflect. He came back to Kenya, married his sweetheart, and had a two year old child.
Welsey's demise was the result of a reckless driver. He had tried to slow down to let the speeding vehicles pass him. As usual, "Adrenaline-charged" Kenyan drivers overtook his saloon car on as they ascended the Rift Valley Escarpment towards the view point. Drivers in their powerful VX, Toureg and Subarus would push their machines on the ascent. Unfortunately, the overtaking driver miscalculated an oncoming lorry's speed and distance. The impact of the crash resulted in extensive damage to multiple vehicles. Wesley's car was extensively damaged on the right side.
Back at work, the following week, Jason was still shaken. He made a mental note to visit Wesley's grieving wife, Miriam and the son, as Wesley's employer was to visit.
Jason sat down as Wesley's employer explained what Miriam was entitled to:
- Group Life Cover based on his annual income; and
- a small Funeral Cover.
WIBA only covered Occupational Risk. As they were on holiday, then they could not be covered.
Jason seemed disturbed, so he asked whether there was any "Group Personal Accident Cover". The Human Resource Manager was embarrassed whilst trying to explain why they didn't have a Personal Accident Cover and, why the Funeral Cover was very inadequate.
Jason, an Insurance Agent, quietly felt some uneasy relief knowing that he had convinced Wesley to take up his own Insurance policies including "Individual Personal Accident Cover for the Family", "Education Policies", "Funeral Cover" and "Pension Cover". Under advise from both the Lawyer and, Estate Financial Planning Advisor, they ensured that the beneficiaries on the policies covered Miriam and his Son. His Will was clearly drawn up to cover the immediate family and, his ageing parents. The Funeral Covers had covered most of the "Last Expenses".
Miriam was able to resume work after about 3 months, after recuperating from her injuries, during which time the Insurance Company paid her the equivalent of her weekly wages owing to her Temporary state of Disablement. She was glad to be done with the wheelchair. Her son's education was covered. She was grateful they had taken responsibility for their future and avoided over-reliance on Wesley's employer.
Dedicated to the victims of road accidents in Kenya.
