Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang' Nyong'o has asked the police to open investigations following an increased number of accidents in the Nyanza region.
In a statement on Monday, January 29, 2023, Nyong'o pointed out a possible laxity in the traffic police department leading to increased accidents.
His statement comes hours after a bus belonging to Super Metro was involved in a fatal accident on the Kisumu-Kericho highway at the Ahero Junction in Kisumu County. The governor says 17 people have been confirmed dead so far.
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Reports indicate that the 2.30 am accident happened after the bus rammed into a lorry as it tried to overtake a saloon car.
"This is the second tragic road accident in our County in three days. On Friday Morning, we lost newspaper journalist Dickens Wasonga in another road crash in Mamboleo along the Kisumu-Kakamega road," Nyong'o stated.
"As we mourn those killed in the Othoo accident, I appeal to the Police to open investigations into the rising number of accidents on our roads in Nyanza. Between December last year and today, we have lost many people in accidents some of which could have been avoided."
Questions on Kisumu accident
According to Nyong'o, the accident has raised more questions about the effectiveness of the traffic police department and whether they implementing their duties as supposed.
"The Othoo accident, for example, has raised many questions which the traffic police must help us answer. Were the vehicles involved in the crash roadworthy? Was the bus carrying passengers beyond its capacity? What became of the rule barring lorries and trailers from using the highways at night? Was the bus licensed to operate on the route?"
"To help minimize road accidents, the police must effectively enforce traffic rules and take harsh action against those flouting these rules. On behalf of the people of Kisumu and the County Government, I wish to send my heartfelt condolence to the families of those who perished in the Othoo accident and wish quick recovery to the injured."
Nyanza Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Allan Mwangi confirmed the accident saying that the ill-fated bus was trying to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the oncoming lorry killing 11 instantly. Other deaths have been reported later.
