4 people perish in Budalang'i accident

By Peter Ochieng

Four people died on Tuesday morning, after being hit by a lorry in Budalang'i, Busia county.

According to a police report, the pedestrians were walking along the Bumala - Port Victoria road when they were hit by an Isuzu tipper, registration number KCZ 351N, near Bulemia area.

The driver was heading towards Port Victoria, before he lost control and swerved to the right, knocking down five pedestrians.

Four died on the spot while Esther Madiangi sustained serious injuries. She was rushed to Port Victoria sub county hospital, before being transferred to Busia general hospital.

The driver of the lorry reportedly escaped, and he is being pursued by police.

Last week, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen said government officers would intensify enforcement of traffic rules as a measure towards preventing road accidents, during Christmas and New Year festivities.

He said the focus would be nabbing public service vehicles operating illegally.

"As part of our commitment to road safety, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in collaboration with the National Police Service, will intensify enforcement activities during the festive season, focusing on illegal PSVs. I urge everyone to plan journeys and avoid overloading, speeding and drunk driving," said the CS.

According to the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, over the last year, collective efforts by stakeholders have reduced road traffic fatalities, by up to 8.11 percent.

From anuary 1st to December 7th, 2023, the CS said the country has witnessed a commendable 8.11% decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year.

As of December 07, 2023, 3,999 people had perished in roads accidents, compared to 4,352 in 2022.