This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
Published on September 3, 2021, a tragic road accident occurred on the Kericho-Nakuru highway, claiming the lives of three people.
The incident happened at Jubat, Londiani area, where a 14-seater matatu collided head-on with a truck, resulting in the deaths of three occupants of the matatu.
Londiani Sub County Police Commander Joseph Mutungi confirmed that the accident occurred at 9 pm, and the driver of the truck escaped unhurt.
According to Mutungi, the driver of the matatu was attempting to overtake another vehicle before the collision.
"The 14-seater matatu had three occupants, including the driver, who died on the spot while the truck driver escaped unhurt," Mutungi said.
Investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the accident, and the bodies of the victims were taken to Molo sub county hospital mortuary.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the increasing number of accidents on the highway, particularly before the 10 pm curfew imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Rift Valley Matatu Owners Association chairman Steve Muli blamed the police for propagating impunity along the roads by taking bribes.
He claimed that drivers rush to beat the curfew hours to avoid giving hefty bribes to police officers.
"The officers tend to punish the matatu drivers who are caught up in the curfew by demanding huge bribes without considering the reasons for delay," Muli said.
