Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris, has joined many in mourning with the families affected by the tragic loss of 11 Kenyatta University (KU) students and five others in road accidents on Monday, March 18, 2024.
The first accident involved the KU students, whose bus collided with a lorry at MacKinnon Junction in Maungu, Voi along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway where 11 students died and 42 others are nursing serious injuries.
The second incident occurred in the Mugango area along the Olunguruone-Silibwet road in Bomet County, claiming the lives of five individuals and leaving 18 others severely injured.
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Passaris conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families noting that the tragic incidents have once again highlighted the pressing issue of road safety in the country.
"I stand in solidarity with the nation in offering condolences to the families of the 11 @KenyattaUni students and the 5 individuals in Bomet who tragically lost their lives in accidents yesterday."
Passaris highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to reduce road accidents.
"Road accidents have claimed too many lives recently, leaving survivors maimed and disabled."
Passaris outlined the importance of investing in education, enforcement, and technology to address the root causes of road accidents.
I stand in solidarity with the nation in offering condolences to the families of the 11 @KenyattaUni students and the 5 individuals in Bomet who tragically lost their lives in accidents yesterday.
Road accidents have claimed too many lives recently, leaving survivors maimed and…— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) March 19, 2024
"Reducing human errors in road accidents requires that we invest in education, enforcement and technology. From driver training and promotion of road use awareness to implementing strict penalties. This, together with the reengineering of our highways, is crucial for ensuring safer roads," Passaris noted.
Bomet road accident
According to a police report from the Silibwet police station, the incident unfolded when the matatu, headed towards Bomet, veered out of its lane and collided with the tractor.
The driver of the matatu, as well as the operator of the tractor, remain unidentified.
"It occurred today the 18/3/2024 at the Mugango area along Olonguruone-Silibwet road involving motor vehicle registration No. KCK 758R Toyota Hiace matatu driven by an unknown driver and motor tractor Reg. No.KUB 805 Massey Ferguson was driven by an unknown driver. It happened that the driver was driving his motor vehicle from Olenguruone heading towards Bomet general direction and on reaching at the location of the accident the driver of the matatu failed to keep to his proper lane and rammed on the tractor," the statement read.
The impact of the collision resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, all of whom remain unidentified as of now.
Additionally, 18 individuals sustained severe injuries and have been rushed to Tenwek Mission Hospital for medical attention.
The authorities indicated that both vehicles involved in the accident will be towed to Bomet police station for further investigations.
"Five unknown people were confirmed dead and 18 were in serious condition and admitted at Tenwek Mission Hospital. The vehicle and tractor are to be towed to Bomet police station for further police action," the statement read further.
