Narrow escape for passengers as bus is set ablaze in Narok

A section of a 62 passenger-capacity psv bus that was burnt down yesterday morning at 2am by irate boda boda riders on claims it hit their colleague. PHOTO:ROBERT KIPLAGAT.

More than 60 passengers escaped death narrowly after irate boda boda operators in Narok set the bus they were traveling in on fire on claims that it had knocked and injured their colleague yesterday morning.

According to police,the 62 seater public service vehicle registration number KBS 244Y belonging to Guardian Angel company was ferrying passengers from Nairobi towards Kisii when the incident happened.

Area Deputy Police Commander Philip Kipkurui who confirmed the incident told The Standard that upon reaching Narok township,a motorbike ridden by one James Makokha,23,is said to have hit the bus from behind.

"The motorbike registration number KMDL 216R hit the rear of the bus.The driver unknowingly sped off almost 100meters to a hotel where he stopped for passengers to take snacks and in no minute,boda boda operators poured petrol and burnt the bus,"said the commander.

Mr Kipkurui said property  worth millions of shillings were destroyed including the bus and passengers' belongings.

He said the passengers managed to salvage few of their property saying fortunately no passenger was injured during the 2am yesterday morning incident.

The police boss said police in conjunction with members of the public managed to put out the fire but it was too late to salvage property.

He said the injured rider was rushed to Narok County Hospital where he is receiving treatment while the wreckage of the vehicle was towed to Narok police station.

"We are investigating the incident of the accident as well as the criminal part on the incident where the property was destroyed.We are looking for the arsonists behind this incident," he said.

He added: "Accidents are normal and any one can be involved.It seems there are criminals hiding behind boda boda business .They cannot take the law into their own hands and get away with it."

Kipkurui is however appealing to members of public  with information  information on what transpired to the point the bus was set ablaze to volunteer information to the police for action to be taken.