An accusing finger has been pointed at the Kenya Railways Corporation after an accident involving a train and a bus belonging to Kenya Pipeline claimed nine lives and left others injured.
The Motorists Association of Kenya has demanded an investigation into the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), following the fatal crash at the Morendat Junction in Naivasha.
In a statement released on Friday, August 8, the group called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Ombudsman to initiate a probe into the government institution and hold it culpable for the crash.
Witnesses said the accident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the bus, which had passengers inside, attempted to cross the railway line in front of the oncoming train.
Although the train driver reportedly applied emergency brakes, the distance was too short to stop in time and avoid the crash.
According to the motorists' group, Kenya Railways no longer prioritises public safety, having failed to carry out renovations and upgrades on train tracks across the country, thereby rendering both motorists and train passengers vulnerable to fatal crashes.
The group particularly highlighted the lack of clear signage, failure to erect barriers, and absence of staff deployment at train tracks, singling out the Githurai 45, Mwiki, Dandora Mowlem Road, and Gilgil crossings.
“Kenya Railways appears to no longer prioritise public safety. If barriers are unaffordable, then at the very least, proper warning signs should be erected and maintained or a marshal holding red and green flags,” the group stated.
“While we urge motorists to be alert for trains, sometimes running without lights or adequate warning horns, we hold Kenya Railways chiefly responsible for the negligence that has led to tragedies,” it added.
To that effect, the group demanded that Kenya Railways compensate the families of those killed, as well as the owners of vehicles damaged in incidents such as the Naivasha Morendat crash and all others at crossings without barriers or proper signage.
It also called upon the Kenya Human Rights Commission to represent the affected families, and challenged the Judiciary to ensure the families receive fair and substantial compensation.
In the aftermath of the crash, Kenya Pipeline issued a statement confirming the accident. It disclosed that the bus was struck by the train while carrying staff who had just finished the morning shift.
Further details revealed that the bus was carrying 32 staff, nine of whom lost their lives; four were Kenya Pipeline employees, and five were staff from a contracted cleaning service provider.
