Two Grade Seven pupils injured in Kericho accident

The driver lost control of the vehicle and hit the pupils. [iStockphoto]

Two Grade Seven pupils of Samoei Hill View Academy in Sigowet/Soin sub-county sustained injuries after they were hit by a vehicle.

The pupils are admitted to Sigowet sub-county Hospital and Life Care Hospital in Eldoret.

They were among pupils who were attending remedial classes at the school on Sunday afternoon before the accident occurred.

Area Police Commander Peter Nthiga said the driver identified as Tony Kiprotich Towett, 27, was heading to Kericho from Sondu and was speeding before he lost control of the vehicle and hit the pupils.

Nthiga noted that the accident was caused by reckless driving and the driver has been arrested.

"It is alleged that the driver was drunk, and after causing the accident he attempted to flee the scene but angry members of the public caught up with him. They subjected him to thorough beating before the police rescued him. He was taken to Sondu Police Station before being taken to Kericho County Hospital for treatment. His condition is stable," said the police boss.

He issued a stern warning to motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol.

"Let me warn these reckless drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol that their days are numbered," Nthiga said.

The police boss said the driver of the ill-fated vehicle will be arraigned in court and charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The wreckage of the vehicle was towed to Sondu police station.

It was not clear why the management allowed the pupils to go to school on Sunday contrary to the Ministry of Education rules and regulations.

Efforts by The Standard to get a comment from headteacher were futile.

Sigowet Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Peter Mugun said the pupils identified as Ivy Chepngetich,12, and Blessings Cherono,11, were walking home from school when the accident occurred near Kipsamoi along Sigowet -Sondu highway.

"The two pupils were rushed to the facility after they sustained injuries on the legs and ribs and we had to refer the other one who sustained ribs injuries (Blessings Cherono) to Kericho County Referral Hospital but her parents decided to take her to Life Care Hospital in Eldoret for specialized treatment. The two pupils, as we speak right now are in stable condition and are responding well to treatment," Dr Mugun told The Standard.