- A devastating accident on the Kaplong-Kericho Road claimed the lives of 15 people and left 14 injured
- Charles Kitur, who lost his 27-year-old son in the crash, described how his son tried to avoid hitting a motorcyclist and ended up losing his life
- Transport CS Davis Chirchir visited the survivors and families, directing the transport authority to ensure vehicle inspections and re-introduction of alco-blow
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Bomet – Families are mourning the deaths of their relatives who perished in a fatal accident on Saturday, April 5, along the Kaplong-Kericho Road.
The fatal crash involving three vehicles resulted in the loss of 15 lives, while 14 others sustained injuries.
Police reported that a lorry, matatu, and a private car collided at the Cheptakulge area near Daraja Sita.
Survivor narrates moments before the accident
Survivors were rushed to Kaplong Mission Hospital, where they are receiving medical care.
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Charles Kitur, who sustained injuries, lost his 27-year-old son, who was driving the lorry that swerved off its lane while attempting to avoid hitting a motorcyclist.
“The lorry had gained momentum and was ferrying goods. My son tried to move aside to avoid hitting a boda boda rider, but when he moved back onto the road, he met the matatu and collided head-on,” he stated.
The deceased man’s uncle, Koech Kitur, called on the government to widen the Sotik-Litein Road, noting that it has led to the loss of many lives.
What did CS Davis Chirchir say about the accident?
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir visited the survivors of the accident and condoled with those who had lost loved ones in the deadly crash.
He directed the transport and safety authority to ensure that heavy commercial vehicles are inspected to prevent such accidents.
He also announced the re-introduction of the alco-blow to help reduce road accidents.
“This move will help reduce road accidents. Anyone found drunk and driving will be denied the right to drive for one year, handed a KSh 100,000 fine, or face imprisonment of up to two years or both,” noted Chirchir.
Netizens react to Bomet accident
Netizens called for better road infrastructure and stricter regulations to prevent future accidents. Some expressed support for the alco-blow re-introduction, while others criticised the government for being reactive rather than proactive.
Diddy Diddy:
“Not only alco-blow; we need a dual carriageway on our roads. Accidents will be minimal.”
Isaack Ngetich:
“CS should also consider expanding the road. The Kaplong to Kericho road is too narrow.”
Margret Nyaguthie Mwaniki:
“So sad. May God’s mercy prevail. May their souls rest in peace. Condolences to the family and friends.”
Cecil Mudi:
“I support that. The alco-blow should be brought back.”
Robert Cheruiyot:
“The CS appears to be reacting now. He should have introduced these measures as soon as he assumed office as transport minister. He has been reactive, not proactive, as was witnessed in the last docket he handled.”
What caused Kericho-Kaplong Road crash?
TUKO.co.ke reported that Bomet County Traffic Commandant Amos Namasaka said preliminary investigations into the cause of the fatal accident pointed to the private car, which was ferrying passengers from a celebration.
The presence of a beer bottle in the saloon car, as seen in images from the scene, suggested the driver may have been under the influence.
Namasaka cited loud music and reckless driving as possible causes of the Kericho-Kaplong Road accident.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
