Three perish, four injured in Christmas-Day accident along Kericho–Nakuru highway
At least three people were on Christmas Day killed and four others were seriously injured in a road accident near Kedowa Trading Centre along the Kericho–Nakuru Highway.
Police said the crash occurred when a Toyota Probox carrying seven occupants collided head-on with a trailer travelling toward Nakuru.
The Probox was headed toward Kedowa at the time of the incident.
Police attributed the accident to speeding. The passengers were reportedly family members returning home after holiday celebrations.
The impact of the collision left three occupants dead at the scene, police said. The four survivors sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital, where they remain under treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Londiani Sub-County Hospital mortuary pending an autopsy.
The wreckage of the vehicles was towed to Kericho Police Station as investigations continue.
Authorities have urged motorists to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution during the festive season.
On Christmas Eve, 15, people died in separate accidents, police said. The victims included six pedestrians, three riders, three passengers, a driver and a rider and a pedal cyclist.
The accidents left 35 people with serious injuries. They included 16 riders, 10 pillion passengers, six passengers, two drivers and a pedestrian.
Road safety remains a top priority for the National Police Service (NPS), particularly during the festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly.
Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, on Wednesday undertook a routine road safety assessment along major highways leading to and from Nairobi, including the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, Nairobi-Nanyuki Highway, and the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
During the exercise, Kanja engaged with members of the public, boda boda riders, public service and private transport operators, as well as passengers.
The interactions focused on listening to road users’ concerns, promoting responsible road use, and reinforcing the shared responsibility of ensuring safety for all.
Kanja emphasised the importance of strict compliance with traffic laws, responsible driving, and mutual respect among all road users.
He particularly urged drivers to prioritise the safety of passengers and other road users, and encouraged passengers to speak up and report any forms of recklessness, including speeding or suspicious activities, via the emergency hotlines 999, 911, or 112, or anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp line 0709 570 000.
He reassured the public that the National Police Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to enhance its visibility and enforcement on all major roads and highways throughout the festive period.