Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Saturday, July 1, directed police officers across the country to intensify enforcement of traffic rules after scores lost their lives in the Londiani Junction accident.
In a statement, Kindiki ordered the police to arrest all motorists who flout traffic rules.
The CS particularly instructed the officers to focus on the condition of vehicles after establishing that Kenyans drive defective and unroadworthy vehicles.
He also called upon all motorists to obey speed limits as set on various highways and roads to avoid similar similar crashes. For instance, the speed limit for driving within town centres is capped at 50km/hr.
"The fatal road accident at Londiani Junction in Kericho County this Friday evening is a tragedy that marks a dark end to the month of June 2023.
"Police officers across the country are directed to enforce traffic rules firmly and apprehend all offenders flouting traffic rules, including but not limited to those driving defective and unroadworthy motor vehicles," read the statement in part.
On his part, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen indicated that rescue operations were still ongoing at the scene.
He noted that investigations will be done to ascertain the cause of the accident that saw over 50 people lose their lives.
President William Ruto, on the other hand, condoled with the families of those who lost their lives. He also underlined that motorists needed to be cautious of road and weather conditions.
"It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores.
"We pray for the speedy recovery of all survivors; you are in our thoughts. We urge motorists to be extra cautious on roads, especially now that we are experiencing heavy rainfall," he stated.
According to Kenya Redcross, the Londiani Junction accident occurred after a trailer lost control and rammed into 6 matatus.
50 people were reported dead with over 32 people admitted to various hospitals for specialised treatment.
According to National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) statistics released on Thursday, June 29, 2,124 Kenyans lost their lives in accidents since January 2023.
The two groups that suffered the highest loss were passengers, with a tragic toll of 729 lives, and motorcyclists, with 561 lives lost.
