Three family members among 13 killed in grisly Kisii accident

Kisii, Kenya: Three family members are among the 13 people who died in Saturday’s road accident along the Kisii-keroka Road at Kisii High School’s main gate.

Police said the 14-seater matatu was ferrying passengers from Kiamokama to Kisii town when the accident occurred shortly after noon.

The matatu rammed into five motorbikes waiting for passengers at the kisii High school gate, killing six people on the spot, among them a parent at the school, Risper Nyaboke. Ms Nyaboke was headed for visiting day in the school together with her two children. They, too, died on the spot.

Felix Omwoyo, Nyaboke’s husband, could not control his tears after viewing the bodies at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. 

Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) Head of Casualty Dr Raymond Oigara says they received 15 causalities and three died on arrival.

“Three casualties, among them a five-year-old boy, died on arrival at the hospital. Four others later died while receiving treatment,” said Dr Oigara.

Kisii Central OCPD Tom Mutysia went to the scene and said: “This is a tragic accident, and we will immediately investigate the cause. All drivers must be careful when approaching such spots, including schools. We can’t afford to lose lives because of careless driving,” said Mr Mutysia.

According to a witness, Nickson Nyakweba, the matatu driver started by knocking a Toyota RAV4 vehicle from behind at Maili Mbili, took off in full speed and hit a Toyota Probox, rammed into several motorbikes and hit the right rear wheel of a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser before landing into a ditch.

“He must have been running away after hitting the other two vehicles. Some of these drivers should be arrested and prosecuted,” said Mr Nyakweba. The driver of the ill-fated matatu was not injured and was arrested and locked up at Kisii Central Police station for further investigation.

The bodies of the 13 victims are lying at KTRH mortuary.

Kisii County Governor James Ongwae condoled with the bereaved and said his office would ensure they get the necessary medical attention to aid their recovery.

“We shall also sit with the affected families and discuss ways of assisting them through this difficult moment.

I stand with the families of those who lost their lives and extend every Kisii County resident’s sympathies. To those who were injured, I wish them a quick recovery,” said Governor Ongwae.