A family of four died in a road accident along Malaba- Eldoret road while travelling home from a burial ceremony in Bungoma.
A statement shared by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Sunday, June 4, noted that all four family members were riding on the same motorcycle when the accident occurred.
Barasa explained that a loaded truck veered off its lane and hit the motorcycle, killing the quartet instantly.
Additionally, the Kakamega Governor noted that of the four, two were female, while the others were male.
“I learned with great sadness of the tragic death of four Kakamega County residents who died in a road accident at the Mayanja shopping centre along the Malaba-Eldoret road while returning home after burying a loved one in Bungoma County.
“The deceased were riding on the same motorcycle when a loaded oncoming truck veered off its lane killing them on the spot,” the statement read in part.
Speaking to the media, residents at the Manyanja shopping centre pleaded with the government to erect bumps on the road, adding that they had witnessed several accidents because of overspeeding vehicles.
They added that they had raised their concerns with relevant authorities, but local authorities had taken no action.
“On my behalf and the people of Kakamega, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and pray that God gives them the grace to bear the irreplaceable loss,” added Barasa.
According to the latest data by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released on May 24, 1,700 people died in road accidents since January 2023, with the cases attributed to overspeeding.
The authority noted that the highest fatalities recorded were pedestrians at 571 and motorcycle operators at 449.
To address the concern, NTSA launched a new technology to be used by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs)that transmits a real-time alert when motorists commit any traffic offences.
