NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has offered a heartfelt condolence message to families grieving after the tragic road accident near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri County that claimed the lives of 15 people.
The collision between a Nissan matatu and a lorry carrying firewood on the Nyeri–Nyahururu highway on Saturday evening has shaken communities and renewed urgent calls for improved road safety.
In his statement, Gachagua said his family joins the nation in mourning the victims and prays for a swift recovery for those injured.
“It is a difficult moment for our nation and several families tonight. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to the injured,” he said.
The former deputy president also appealed to drivers and road users to exercise maximum caution, especially given the current rainy season that has left many roads damaged with deep potholes.
“I call for maximum care and caution on our roads to save human lives at every point of our journeys on our roads,” Gachagua stated.
He reminded Kenyans that “one life lost, is one too many,” urging collective action to reduce the country’s high road toll.
According to county officials, the accident scene was chaotic as emergency responders worked throughout the night to recover bodies and free survivors trapped in the wreckage.
Initial reports confirmed four people died at the scene, but as rescue teams continued their work, the death toll was later confirmed at 15.
Among the dead were 10 adult males and five females, including a child.
Seven other victims were rushed to hospital; six are admitted at Nyeri County Referral Hospital, with one on oxygen support while others are reported to be stable, and one is receiving treatment at Mathari Hospital.
Earlier, President William Ruto also joined the nation in expressing sympathy, pledging government support to affected families and promising collaboration with the Nyeri County government to respond to the crisis.
