This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On August 25, 2020, a devastating road accident occurred in Kaburengu, along the Eldoret–Bungoma highway, resulting in the loss of seven lives and leaving many others injured.
Esther Khavakali, the wife of one of the victims, Geoffrey Kubasali, was left heartbroken after receiving the news of her husband's death. Kubasali, a tout and the family's sole breadwinner, had left home early in the morning, promising to return with a packet of milk.
Khavakali recalled their last conversation, saying, 'He left home around 8am. And it would turn out to be the last time we spoke.'
Relaxing at home with a relative, Khavakali heard a loud bang around 4:30 pm and rushed to the road to find out what had happened. She was shocked to learn that her husband had been killed by a speeding lorry.
Other victims included women selling their wares by the roadside, including a teenage girl who was selling fries. Abule Shikuku, a witness, described the scene, saying, 'We first heard people screaming then we saw the lorry moving at very high speed. It first crashed three women and knocked down the rest as they attempted to run.'
Kakamega County Deputy Traffic Police Commander James Ng'etich attributed the accident to the driver losing control of the vehicle, which was coming from Eldoret and hit a bus before crashing into the crowd.
Residents have expressed frustration with the frequent accidents at the black spot and are calling for the government to redesign the road and have lorries use a different route.
