Keroka — A deadly road accident claimed multiple lives on Sunday morning when a Nairobi-bound matatu lost control and crashed into a ditch, colliding with two motorcycles along the steep Ichuni-Keroka road.
The harrowing incident occurred at around 11:00 am, with eyewitnesses reporting that the matatu, which had picked up passengers from Kilgoris through Nyangusu, Gesusu, and Masimba, veered off the road under unclear circumstances. The vehicle is believed to have been speeding down a dangerously steep slope before one of its tyres came off, causing it to swerve uncontrollably and strike the motorcycles.
Graphic images from the scene showed the mangled remains of the matatu lying in a ditch, its front badly crushed and a wheel missing. Tragically, pedestrians were also caught in the crash, with witnesses stating that at least three people died on the spot. Rescue efforts were underway as emergency responders and residents rushed to pull trapped passengers from the wreckage and transport them to nearby hospitals.
Authorities have not released the official death toll, but the number of casualties is feared to be higher. Investigations are ongoing, with overspeeding being considered a likely cause, especially given the notorious slope where the crash occurred.
This latest tragedy follows closely on the heels of another fatal collision on June 3, in which several police officers died after their patrol vehicle was hit by a trailer at Matisi on the Bungoma-Webuye Highway. In that incident, the police cruiser was left completely mangled, highlighting the growing concern over road safety on major highways.
Officials are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly along known blackspots like Keroka and Matisi.
