This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On August 25, 2020, a devastating road accident occurred on the Eldoret-Bungoma highway, claiming the lives of seven people.
Among the victims was Geoffrey Kubasali, a 35-year-old man who was the sole breadwinner for his family. He had left home early in the morning to buy milk, promising his wife that he would return with a packet or two.
His wife, Esther Khavakali, was left in shock after receiving the news of her husband's death. She had been relaxing at home with a relative when they heard a loud bang. Rushing to the road, they were met with a horrific scene of bodies strewn all over the place, including those of women selling their wares by the roadside.
Khavakali recalled the moment she heard the news of her husband's death, saying, 'The bang was loud. We rushed to the road to see what was happening. I was shocked when I was informed my husband had been killed by a speeding lorry.'
The accident occurred when a lorry lost control and ploughed into a crowd of people, including women selling their wares by the roadside. The driver of the lorry, who was not immediately identified, was among the 14 people who suffered severe injuries and was admitted to Webuye sub-county hospital.
Residents are calling for the government to redesign the road and have lorries use a different route, citing the high number of accidents that have occurred at the black spot in recent months.
Lugari MP Ayub Savula has sent condolences to the families of the victims, stating that the portion of the road is steep and has continued to kill people over the years.
