Pwani University Accident Victim Detained Over Ksh 325K Bill

A collage of a student from Pwani University (left) and the institution's bus involved in an accident on March 2023 (left)
A collage of a student from Pwani University (left) and the institution's bus involved in an accident on March 2023 (left)
Photo
PUSA

Friends of Melvin Mmboga, one of the victims of the Pwani University accident, appealed for help on Tuesday, May 30, after the student was stranded at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

According to friends and fellow students, Mmboga was detained at the hospital over an outstanding bill of Ksh325,000. 

They called upon former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and other well-wishers to help clear the bill.

However, the incident left many questioning why the institution did not cater to the victims' medical bills.

A photo of the Pwani University bus which overturned at Kayole area in Naivasha along the Nairobi - Nakuru Highway on March 30, 2023.
A photo of the Pwani University bus which overturned at Kayole area in Naivasha along the Nairobi - Nakuru Highway on March 30, 2023.
Twitter
Ma3Route

"Why has the university paid the bill, what happens to the Ksh1,000 paid as insurance every term?" one questioned.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, an employee from KNH disclosed that he was not at liberty to share information about the student.

According to the Pwani University Student Association (PUSA), the matter was escalated to the administration to ensure the matter was resolved.

"We are all disappointed by what Melvin Mmboga is going through. We are following the issue to ensure she is immediately discharged to go home and recover in peace," PUSA Secretary General, Mugambi Kibwi, stated.

"She was involved in the accident while she was going to fly the Pwani University flag, therefore the administration must ensure our dear sister goes home in peace," he demanded.

Her story touched the hearts of many, prompting them to ask for a Paybill to help fundraise and clear the bill without involving politicians. 

"It is not a must we involved Sonko. Let us create a pay bill to help the comrade," one suggested.

Kenyans.co.ke contacted the institution for more information, but it was yet to respond by the time of publishing this article.

Notably, Mmboga is among the survivors of the tragic accident in late March 2023 involving the institution's bus and a matatu.

The accident killed at least 17 students while others sustained severe injuries.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen speaking at the E-mobility conference in Nairobi on April 17, 2023.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen speaking at the E-mobility conference in Nairobi on April 17, 2023.
Photo : Kipchumba Murkomen

Following the accident, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced changes on the roads to curb accidents

"We will put cameras from the highway all the way from Mombasa to Kisumu and there will be instant enforcement. We shall ensure that the cameras are put on the roads this year," Murkomen stated.

The CS also ordered a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles and coordinated with the police, under the Ministry of Interior, to apprehend road users who flout traffic laws. 

Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released in March showed that road fatalities had decreased by 4.6 per cent in the period of one year.

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