This archive report was first published on 10 July 2021.
On July 10, 2021, a devastating accident occurred in Homa Bay town, claiming the lives of two people and leaving several others injured. A lorry loaded with cement crashed into a house in the early hours of the morning, causing widespread destruction.
Among the victims was Joseph Ondiegi, a 72-year-old church elder from Legio Maria Church, who had traveled from Lambwe in Mbita sub-county to visit his friend Hezron Odero and his family at Railways Estate. Ondiegi had prophesied that death would occur in the area through an accident, and had come to pray for his friend's family to avert the tragedy.
However, his prophecy was tragically fulfilled when the lorry crashed into the house, killing Ondiegi and his host's 13-year-old daughter, Diana Atieno. Two other family members were injured in the accident, including Odero's sons, aged 10 and 15, who were admitted to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital in critical condition.
According to Hezron Odero, the church elder had foreseen the accident and had come to pray for his family to avert it. "Ondiegi had prophesied death would happen in this area and it would be through an accident. He came here on Friday to pray but the prayer meeting failed because of the curfew," Odero said. "He died before accomplishing his mission. It is sad Ondiegi came here to save us from death but died in the process," he added.
Homa Bay Town Central MCA Julius Nyambok has called on the Kenya National Highways Authority to construct bumps on Homa Bay–Kendu Bay road and Homa Bay–Rongo road to reduce accidents. The MCA has also urged the county government to support families affected during the accident.
"The affected families have nowhere to sleep. The disaster management department of the county government should step in and support them," Nyambok said.
As the community mourns the loss of life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved road safety measures in the region.
