Kenya is in mourning after a devastating road accident claimed the lives of 25 people and left 32 others injured on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway. The tragedy, which happened at the busy Coptic Roundabout, has shaken the nation and prompted a swift response from President William Ruto.
In his statement, President Ruto expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and promised decisive action against negligence on Kenyan roads. He said the authorities must investigate the events leading to the accident and ensure that those found responsible face the full force of the law.
The president issued firm directives on Friday, August 9, ordering traffic enforcement agencies to address all road safety violations immediately. He stressed that such tragedies should not be allowed to continue and that every possible measure must be taken to prevent them.
“Our prayers are with the victims of the terrible accident that occurred tonight on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway,” Ruto said. “We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence and to address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country.”
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According to eyewitness reports, the bus involved in the crash was carrying members of the Sigoti Clan, who were returning from a funeral. What was meant to be a somber but safe journey home ended in tragedy when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
The bus veered off the highway and overturned, leaving a trail of devastation. Photos from the scene show the mangled remains of the vehicle, believed to belong to a local high school, surrounded by shocked onlookers.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but for many passengers, it was already too late. Survivors were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, where doctors are fighting to save their lives.
In response to the tragedy, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) dispatched a team of road safety auditors to the crash site. Their task is to examine every detail of the accident, from the vehicle’s condition to the driver’s actions, in order to prevent a similar disaster in the future.
Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has also announced a comprehensive safety review. He stated that the findings of the assessment will be used to introduce stricter measures and interventions to protect road users.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity and urgency, Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has called for a nationwide blood donation campaign. The appeal is aimed at helping the injured, many of whom are undergoing emergency surgeries and treatment in JOOTRH’s Orthopaedic Trauma Ward.
The blood drive is being held today, Saturday, August 9, at Leresian Park, JOOTRH, from 9 a.m., and is organized by the Blood Transfusion Unit. Kenyans from all walks of life are being encouraged to show up and donate.
This accident is a stark reminder of the dangers on Kenyan roads. It also underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, regular vehicle inspections, and increased public awareness on road safety.
In recent years, Kenya has recorded a worrying rise in fatal road accidents, many linked to speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles. Authorities are now under intense pressure to act decisively to end this trend.
President Ruto’s strong message has resonated with many Kenyans, who are demanding not just investigations, but real change in how road safety is enforced. Social media has been flooded with tributes to the victims, calls for justice, and appeals for the government to ensure safer roads.
For the families of the 25 lives lost, nothing can replace their loved ones. But for the rest of the country, there is hope that this tragedy will be a turning point in Kenya’s road safety journey.
As investigations continue, the nation watches closely to see whether the promises made today will lead to lasting reforms, or fade away as yet another tragedy becomes a statistic.
For now, Kenya mourns. But in that mourning, there is also a call to action, a demand that such a devastating loss should never happen again.
