Ruto orders crackdown on road negligence after fatal crashes kill over 30

The wreckages of AIC Naki Secondary School bus accident in Kisumu and of PSV in Namanga [Standard]

President William Ruto has directed traffic enforcers to act against those responsible for road negligence following a series of accidents that have claimed at least 40 lives in three days.

Offering condolences to the affected families, Ruto urged relevant agencies to address traffic violations.

“We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence leading to the accident, and address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country,” said Ruto.

His remarks came a day after 25 people were killed when a bus overturned at Coptic Roundabout in Mamboleo, Kisumu.

Seven others were  killed this morning in Namanga after a collision involving a lorry and a Public Service Vehicle.

Nyanza Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Peter Maina said the victims in the Kisumu crash were traveling from Kakamega to Nyakach in an AIC Naki Secondary School bus when it lost control and rolled into a ditch.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, who visited Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital on Friday evening, commended the swift response of medical staff, the Kenya Red Cross, and security agencies.

Oluga, accompanied by Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, said 21 victims died at the scene, while four others succumbed to injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

“We have mobilized all health workers on duty and alerted additional personnel to ensure the injured get the best possible care,” said the PS.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has also urged road users to exercise caution.

“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 21 souls lost in the Kisumu bus tragedy. Let us uphold road safety as a shared national responsibility.”