A sombre cloud hangs over the family of Maj. (Rtd) Solomon Obange, who previously served as Head of Security at Parliament, and Dr Dick Obange of Maseno University, who lost 25 family members in a road accident at Coptic Roundabout, Kisumu.
The accident, which occurred on Friday evening, involved a bus ferrying 61 family members returning from a burial in Nyahera, located in Kisumu West sub-county, and headed to Nyakach.
The vehicle reportedly lost control while navigating the busy roundabout and crashed into multiple structures before overturning.
In an official statement on X, Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo sent his condolences to the family of the former security chief at Parliament, who served between 2012 and 2014.
The PS, who expressed his sorrow, pledged to offer support to the family that has suddenly been hit by the unexpected tragedy.
“No words are sufficient to express our sorrow as we mourn with the larger family and friends of Maj. (Rtd) Solomon Obange, former Head of Security at Parliament, and Dr Dick Obange of Maseno University, who have lost 25 loved ones in the tragic Kisumu road accident today,” the PS wrote.
“We stand with the family and will extend all necessary support in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and JOOTRH,” he continued.
According to a Facebook statement posted on August 8 by the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), which received the victims of the crash, at least 21 lives were lost and 21 others were injured.
However, an update revealed that the death toll had increased to 25, with others still receiving treatment.
“Earlier in Kisumu County, Kenya Red Cross, together with the County Government and the National Police Service, responded to a road traffic accident in Mamboleo, Kisumu County, involving a bus,” the Kenya Red Cross reported.
“Thirty-three injured persons were evacuated to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment,” the report continued.
Reacting to the devastating developments, President William Ruto sent condolences to the families and directed traffic enforcement officers to intensify road safety operations following the fatal accident.
