By Faith Anene, Kakamega
The death toll from a horrific accident involving a petrol tanker and two Matatus (passenger minivans) on the Kakamega–Kisumu highway has risen to 13 after three more victims succumbed to their injuries, hospital officials confirmed.
The accident occurred on Wednesday evening at River Yala Bridge when a petrol tanker, reportedly in poor condition, lost control and collided head-on with two Matatus traveling in the opposite direction.
The impact of the crash was devastating, with 10 people killed instantly at the scene and 20 others seriously injured.
“We had a fatal accident at Iguhu area yesterday evening involving two passenger vehicles and a truck. Unfortunately, today we lost three more victims who succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the total death toll to 13,” said Kakamega Governor, Fernandes Barasa, who visited the survivors at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital on Thursday.
According to Governor Barasa, the two 14-seater Matatus were carrying a total of 34 passengers when the tragedy struck. While some survivors were treated and discharged, a few remain in stable condition at various local health facilities.
At Iguhu Hospital, 24 patients were initially admitted, with three later treated and discharged. By Thursday afternoon, only six survivors remained under care at the sub-county facility. At the Kakamega County Referral Hospital, 14 people were brought in, seven of whom were treated and sent home. Three patients are still under observation but are out of danger.
“The situation is alarming,” Governor Barasa stated. “We need immediate action to address the underlying issues contributing to these deadly accidents. Preliminary findings from the traffic department show that the tanker involved in the crash was unroadworthy, while the Matatus were reportedly speeding.”
Barasa called for urgent measures to curb road accidents in the region, including the reintroduction of roadblocks along key routes to ensure stricter vehicle inspections and adherence to traffic regulations. He urged drivers to exercise caution, emphasizing that the loss of life from preventable accidents must come to an end.
“We cannot afford to lose more lives on our roads,” Barasa added. “We must ensure that drivers follow all traffic laws to protect passengers and other road users.”
The bodies of the deceased passengers were transported to the Kakamega County General and Referral Hospital Morgue, where postmortems were carried out after the victims were identified by their families.
The tragic accident has once again raised concerns about the state of road safety in Kenya, particularly along busy highways. Authorities are urging greater vigilance, both from law enforcement and the public, to prevent further loss of life.
