Murkomen visits Kericho accident scene, gives new pledge

By Peter Ochieng

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday morning visited the scene of a Friday evening accident in Kericho County.

The accidentt at Lindiani Junction, along the Nairobi - Kisumu road claimed the lives of over 40 people, as over 30 others were left with multiple injuries.

It occurred after a trailer lost control and rammed into over five vehicles.

Most of those who died were traders, their customers and a host of boda boda riders who had parked on the roadside.

CS Murkomen said plans are in place to relocate roadside markets, following an accident.

“We are ready as a ministry to provide access roads to the markets, entry and exit routes to the market so that people driving in to buy the produce can go in and avoid such catastrophes."

Murkomen was accompanied by among others, Kericho governor Eric Mutai and his deputy Fred Kirui.

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.