In a knee-jerk reaction to the tragic multiple crash that occurred at Londiani junction in Kericho County, the Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, visited the site on Saturday morning along with other officials. The accident, which happened around 6:30 PM on Friday, resulted in the confirmed deaths of 52 people, with 32 others hospitalized.
The devastating incident unfolded when a truck lost control and plowed into pedestrians, business people, and parked matatus along the roadside. The truck collided with four matatus, two lorries, a personal vehicle, and a bus. It was en route to Kericho when it veered off the road, striking numerous hawkers who were conducting business along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.
CS Kipchumba Murkomen expressed that rescue operations were already underway, involving the participation of officers from various national and county government agencies, elected leaders, the Red Cross, and other well-wishers. He stated, “The rescue efforts will be followed by investigations to determine the cause of the crash.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the truck driver was attempting to avoid a collision with a bus parked on the road due to a mechanical problem before losing control.
Londiani OCPD Agnes Kunga disclosed that more than 60 people had been rushed to different hospitals in Londiani, Kericho, and Nakuru for medical treatment.
Rescue efforts faced obstacles due to heavy rains that persisted at the accident site yesterday evening.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the lives lost. Taking to Twitter on Friday night, he expressed his condolences, stating, “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.” He continued, “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.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also shared his sorrow, saying, “The horrific road accident in Londiani, Kericho County, on Friday evening spells unspeakable loss to our nation. It is painful to lose loved ones at any age, especially in a tragic road accident like this.” He added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we wish a quick recovery to the survivors of this tragic road accident. I urge all road users to exercise maximum caution on our roads at all times.”
