Londiani accident: Kindiki issues directives to police officers

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for internal security Abraham Kithure Kindiki has issued firm directives to police offices, in the wake of an accident that claimed the lives of over 50 people in Londiani, Kericho County.

Kindiki said the Friday evening road carnage is a tragedy that marked a dark and sad end to the month of June.

He urged all road users to adhere to traffic rules, in a bid to prevent accidents of such magnitude.

"I urge all road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules. I particularly appeal to drivers to exercise extreme caution, and desist from speeding, overloading and dangerous or careless driving," the CS said in a statement.

The former Tharaka Nithi Senator directed police officers to firmly enforce traffic rules.

"Police officers across the country are directed to enforce traffic rules firmly and apprehend all offenders flouting traffic rules, including but not limited to those driving defective and unroadworthy motor vehicles."

The Londiani Junction accident occurred after a trailer lost control and rammed into 6 matatus.

55 people were reported dead with over 30 being admitted to various hospitals in the area.

President William Ruto in his condolence message said it is disheartening that some of those whose died were young people.

"The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani, Kericho County. It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores."

"We pray for the speedy recovery of all survivors; you are in our thoughts. We urge motorists to be extra cautious on roads, especially now when we are experiencing heavy rainfall," he added.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) statistics, 2,124 Kenyans lost their lives in accidents since January, this year.