KITENGELA, Kenya – The country is reeling from one of its deadliest days on the roads after two separate accidents in Kajiado and Kisumu counties claimed 32 lives within 24 hours.
On Saturday morning, at least seven people were killed and eight others injured in a head-on collision at Korompoi along the Kitengela–Isinya road.
The crash involved a Nailepu Sacco matatu and a lorry, with police saying one of the vehicles attempted to overtake a line of cars before slamming into an oncoming vehicle.
“The seven died on the spot, while those injured were rushed to hospital in critical condition,” police said, warning the death toll could rise because several survivors had severe injuries.
The accident sparked outrage among locals, who blocked the busy highway demanding urgent measures to curb reckless driving and speeding in the area.
Police officers were deployed to clear the road and restore order.
The tragedy came just hours after another fatal crash in Kisumu left at least 25 people dead.
The accident occurred on Friday evening when a bus carrying 61 members of the Sigoti Clan from Nyakach lost control at high speed near the Coptic roundabout along the Kisumu–Kakamega highway.
According to regional traffic enforcement officer Peter Maina, the driver failed to negotiate the bend and plunged into a ditch after reportedly hitting an object.
Twenty-one passengers died on the spot, while 29 others were rushed to hospital.
Four later succumbed to their injuries, pushing the death toll to 25, said Medical Services Principal Secretary Fredrick Ouma Oluga.
“This is a national tragedy. We urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially when approaching busy intersections and roundabouts,” Mr Oluga said.
The two accidents have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road safety measures, and heightened awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of life.
