Update 8:20pm: Death toll of the accident rises to eight after four more succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment.
A minibus registered to Sabatia Safaris Sacco collided head-on with a private van ferrying sheep from West Pokot at the Nangili bridge along the Kitale-Eldoret road on Thursday, December 26.
According to the Standard, witnesses to the gruesome accident revealed that the minibus was attempting to avoid the sheep that were crossing the road when it rammed into the minibus.
Two people from each vehicle died on the spot while scores were left seriously injured.
Police at the scene aided in ferrying the bodies of the deceased to the Moi Teaching and Referal hospital, while the injured victims were rushed to Likuyani County Hospital.
This is preceded by a couple of similar accidents that have plagued the festive season.
On December 25, a young girl aged between 12 to 15 years lost her life after a 14-seater matatu she was traveling in was hit by a lorry from behind when it had stopped for a passenger.
The matatu was headed to Nyahururu from Rumuruti, Laikipia county as reported by the Standard.
Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, on December 19, advised members of the public traveling to various parts of the country during the festive period to uphold road safety.
The IG had warned against excess passengers, overspeeding, and drunk driving. he asked Kenyans to strictly follow road safety measures to the latter.
"I would like to warn passengers against being in excess both in private or PSV vehicles effective today. We will deal with the excess passengers in our roadblocks.
"It does not matter from which point, the vehicle will continue with its destination as the passenger remains behind," he warned.
