31 Kenyans killed in road accident
The number of lives lost in road accidents across the country has tragically climbed to at least 31 in just the first six days of the year. On Tuesday alone, eight more individuals lost their lives in separate incidents in Kericho and Baringo counties.
In Kericho County, six people were killed, and 25 others who were injured are currently receiving care at the Kericho County Referral Hospital.
Witnesses reported that the bus driver was speeding when the accident occurred.
The injured passengers were part of a group of 64 aboard a bus from Uwezo Company that collided with a trailer at Tunnel Mendera on the Londiani–Muhoroni road.
One of the bus co-drivers, Samuel Magambo, who managed to survive, shared his harrowing experience just moments before the crash.
“Niliendesha hadi Naivasha, tukapigiwa simu dereva mwingine achukue aende achukue gari ingine, nichukue Kisumu. Nikaenda nyuma kulala. Nikashuka dereva wa pili akachukua. Dereva nikama alikuwa amesinzia akiwa kwa steering,” Magambo said.
Kericho County’s health services coordinator, Florence Waiboke, shared, “We transported thirty-three patients to Fort Tenan. They were stabilized there, and those requiring specialized care were then taken to Kericho Referral Hospital.”
Meanwhile, passengers traveling from Nairobi to Port Victoria in Busia County expressed their frustration with the bus driver, claiming he was speeding.
“Nilikata gari saa saba kasoro, ikatoka saa nne. Ilikuwa imeoverload. First driver alikuwa anaenda kwa upole. Akapeana the second driver. Wa pili walikuwa mbio, kwa simu, anachew. Anapita kwa bumps anasema sorry, anaignore,” a survivor, Rosemary Adeke, said.
“Hii sehemu iko na corner nyingi na ni mteremko. Kitu ningeomba, wafuate sheria za barabarani,” stated Kericho Police Commander James Ngetich.
In Block 4 along the Nakuru–Eldoret highway, a tragic accident claimed the lives of a boda boda rider and his passenger when they were struck by a trailer heading towards Nakuru. Their remains are currently at the Eldama Ravine Hospital mortuary.
Meanwhile, in Kimende, Kiambu County, 45 students had a close call when the bus they were on lost control and flipped over. Ten of those students are now receiving treatment at Kijabe Hospital for various injuries.
“Like this accident, nikama dereva alikuwa amechoka akili. Ikacause accident. Long-distance cars should have two drivers,” Kimende resident George Njoroge.
