Eight Family Members Killed in Tragic Crash on Kericho–Nyamira Highway
Eight family members were killed in a tragic road accident on the Kericho–Nyamira highway on Saturday evening, near Bw’arani–Tombe.
The collision involved a trailer and a public service matatu and left several others injured. The victims, who were en route to a burial in Nyamira South, were pronounced dead at the scene, while seven survivors were rushed to Nyamira County Referral Hospital.
Four of the injured are in intensive care, with two being transferred to Eldoret for specialised treatment. Family members described the accident as especially devastating, given the timing. They had been travelling to lay an uncle to rest when they lost additional relatives in the crash. Among the victims were two infants, found in their mother’s arms.
The accident occurred when the trailer, heading towards Kericho, veered off its lane and collided head-on with the matatu. The matatu driver died instantly, while the trailer driver fled the scene. Following the crash, members of the public looted the vehicles and siphoned fuel, prompting police to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd.
Local residents have long raised concerns about the Bw’arani–Tombe stretch of road, which is notorious for accidents. Witnesses and officials are calling for urgent action to improve road safety in the area.
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, who visited both the hospital and the mortuary, assured the public that a committee had been formed to assist the families with burial arrangements and provide support to the survivors, who are receiving treatment for severe head injuries.
