At least seven killed in accident involving matatu, lorry along Namanga-Nairobi Road

At least seven people were killed and eight were injured in a road accident at Korompoi area along the Kitengela-Isinya road involving a matatu and lorry.

The fatal crash involved a Nailepu Sacco matatu and a lorry in what police described as a head-on collision. Police said the accident happened after one of the vehicles tried to overtake a fleet of cars, colliding with an oncoming one.

The seven died on the spot, police said, adding the injured were taken to the hospital. There were fears that the death toll might increase because the wounded victims had severe injuries.

Locals blocked the busy highway as they demanded action to address the menace. Police arrived at the scene and managed to control it.

It came hours after 25 people were killed in an accident in Kisumu town about the Kisumu-Kakamega highway.

The accident happened on Friday evening. The driver lost control of the bus as it approached a roundabout at high speed and plunged into a ditch, according to Peter Maina, a regional traffic enforcement officer for the province of Nyanza.

At least 29 people were initially reported injured in the crash but four of them died later in the hospital, said Fredrick Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary in charge of medical services.

This increased the toll to 25. 21 died on the spot. The bus, carrying 61 members of the Sigoti Clan from Nyakach, overturned near the Coptic roundabout after reportedly hitting an object. 32 survivors are currently receiving treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Oluga, announced an urgent blood donation drive scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at Leresian Park within JOOTRH, starting at 9:00 AM.

“This blood drive is crucial to ensure we have sufficient supplies to support the survivors who are undergoing treatment in our Orthopedic Trauma Ward,” Dr. Oluga said.

The crash shocked many in the region, sparking renewed calls for tougher road safety measures. The incident took place on a notorious section of road where collisions are frequent.

The cause of the crash was not clear and investigations were ongoing. Among the deceased are 10 women, 10 men, and a 10-year-old girl.

Five other people were critically injured, with 15 sustaining minor cuts including a minor with 8 months.

Fatal accidents claim up to 4,000 lives annually in Kenya. They also leave thousands with serious injuries.