By Selipher Musungu
Kakamega
The County Government of Kakamega has cleared medical expenses for the survivors of the deadly accident that occurred at hospitalized Kaburengu junction along Webuye – Malaba highway killing eight people on the spot on Monday.
The truck that was heading to Malaba lost control, rammed into several 14-seater Matatu, and killed eight people on the spot according to eyewitnesses. At least 14 other people were seriously injured and were rushed to Webuye County hospital for treatment.
Majority of causalities were roadside vegetable vendors and boda boda operators.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Philip Kutima together with other senior county government officers paid a visit to all the families of the eight people who lost their lives and handed Sh 85,000 to each family to support them in funeral arrangements.
He also gave another Sh30, 000 to each of the hospitalized patients to offset their medical bills.
“We are here to stand with the affected families on behalf of Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and the entire County Government. Nothing can bring back the dear lives of those we lost, not even this gesture, but this is just to let you know that we care for your wellbeing,” Prof Kutima said.
He asked the traders to move away from the roadside and occupy the free space within the interchange temporarily as the Government looks into the matter.
Prof. Kutima announced that the county is in the process of finding a piece of land within the area to purchase for construction of an open-air market and a bus park for public service vehicles as a long lasting solution.
“We will also work closely with the National Government to ensure this road is completed on time so that we can resettle the traders to a safer place,” he said.
He hailed the cooperation between the two neighbouring counties of Bungoma and Kakamega County that saw the victims attended to well at the Bungoma facility.
He was accompanied by CECMs led by Ag CECM for Public Service and Administration Dr. Beatrice Sabana, Members of County Assembly, Chief of Staff Mr. Robert Sumbi and Lugari sub county administrator Geoffrey Lumbasi among other senior government officers from both levels of government.
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