NAIROBI, Kenya — A tragic road accident along the busy Bondo-Kisian highway has left Kenya mourning the death of controversial preacher Bishop Gilbert Deya and nursing the wounds of 30 others. The crash, which occurred in the Namba-Kapiyo area, involved three vehicles and sent shockwaves through Siaya and Kisumu counties.
According to Nyanza Traffic Boss Peter Maina, the accident unfolded when the driver of a Toyota Noah, headed from Kisian to Bondo, lost control of the vehicle. Behind the wheel was Bishop Deya, who tragically died at the scene. His two passengers — believed to be his wife and another woman — were injured but survived with minor injuries.
The Toyota Noah collided with a school bus belonging to Moi University, which was en route to Kisumu. In a desperate attempt to avoid a head-on collision, the bus driver swerved, but the move caused the vehicle to roll off the road.
The third vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner owned by the Siaya County Government, was trailing the school bus and was hit in the ensuing chaos.
“In total, 31 people were affected — one fatality, 15 students with serious injuries, and another 15 with minor injuries,” said Traffic Boss Maina, adding that the school bus was carrying students who were on official university duty.
The injured were rushed to Kombewa Sub-County Hospital, with three of the victims later referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized treatment. The body of Bishop Deya was also moved to the Kombewa Hospital morgue.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash to establish what led to the loss of control by Bishop Deya. Early indications point to high speed, but mechanical failure has not been ruled out.
News of Bishop Deya’s death immediately trended online, reigniting conversations around his controversial past.
Once extradited from the UK over child trafficking charges, Deya had spent years in legal battles and had recently returned to a quieter life in Kenya.
Road safety continues to be a national concern in Kenya, with the Bondo-Kisian route flagged as one of the more dangerous highways in western Kenya due to its sharp bends and increasing traffic. This latest accident is a grim reminder of how fast things can turn tragic.
As families wait for answers, the country mourns a complex figure and prays for the recovery of the injured students.
For now, the investigation continues, and so does the national conversation about road safety and vehicle maintenance.
