A wave of sadness has hit the family of Maj. (Rtd) Solomon Obange, a man who once served as the Head of Security at the Kenyan Parliament, and Dr. Dick Obange of Maseno University.
Their grief comes after a terrible road accident in Kisumu claimed the lives of 25 family members. The shocking incident happened on Friday evening at the busy Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu.
The bus involved was carrying 61 family members who were returning from a burial in Nyahera, Kisumu West sub-county. They were heading to Nyakach when the tragedy struck.
According to reports, the driver lost control while navigating the roundabout. The bus crashed into several roadside structures before overturning, leaving behind a scene of chaos and heartbreak.
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Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo was among the first leaders to publicly mourn the family. In an emotional message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said no words could capture the pain of losing so many loved ones at once.
“We stand with the family and will extend all necessary support in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and JOOTRH,” Omollo assured.
Maj. (Rtd) Solomon Obange served as Head of Security at Parliament between 2012 and 2014. Many Kenyans remember him for his professionalism and dedication to public service.
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) was the main facility that received the victims. In an update posted on August 8, JOOTRH reported that 21 people had initially died, but the number later rose to 25 after some victims succumbed to their injuries.
The Kenya Red Cross also confirmed that 33 injured passengers were evacuated to JOOTRH for urgent medical attention. They worked closely with the Kisumu County Government and the National Police Service in the rescue efforts.
President William Ruto also sent his condolences, describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the urgent need for safer roads in Kenya. He directed traffic enforcement officers to intensify road safety checks across the country.
For the Obange family, this tragedy is more than just a headline, it is a wound that will take a long time to heal. The accident has united Kenyans in grief, with many sending prayers and messages of comfort.
The Kisumu County Government has promised to work closely with the national authorities to ensure the victims’ families receive the necessary support during this difficult time.
As investigations into the crash continue, road safety experts are urging drivers to be extra cautious, especially on busy intersections like the Coptic Roundabout.
This heartbreaking accident serves as yet another call for stricter enforcement of road safety rules, better driver training, and the need for improved vehicle maintenance to prevent such tragedies in the future.
