This archive report was first published on 2 January 2022.
On January 2, 2022, a devastating road accident shook the nation when a 14-seater matatu rammed a stationary trailer on the Eldoret-Webuye Highway, resulting in the loss of eight lives.
The accident occurred in the morning, with the matatu hitting the trailer from behind at the Musembe area. Among the deceased were Margaret Walela, a senior National Youth Service officer, and her son, who had just returned from their December holidays.
According to Rashid Fuamba, Walela's cousin, the family had been traveling back to Nairobi and had stopped to pray before the accident occurred. Fuamba expressed shock and disappointment at the incident, criticizing the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for failing to remove the trailer from the road.
He also pointed out that the road had become a deathtrap in recent times, claiming numerous lives. Fuamba further criticized the matatu sacco, stating that they operated on a different route and did not have a permit to carry passengers to and fro Bungoma and Nairobi.
Others who lost their lives in the accident included a family of three - a wife, husband, and daughter. The husband survived, but his wife and child did not.
Kakamega County Police Commander Hassan Barua confirmed the incident, stating that the matatu had rammed the stationary truck from behind. The first responders managed to save four victims who were rushed to hospital.
