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More than 20 Kapsabet Boys High School students have been referred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, from Baringo County Referral Hospital in Kabarnet for specialised treatment following a tragic accident which claimed the life of a teacher and a student.

The accident occurred at Patkwanin area on Kabarnet-Marigat road on Saturday afternoon when the driver lost control of the bus and swerved off the road.

The more than 60 students and two teachers were headed for an academic trip to Lake Bogoria in Baringo county.

Acting MTRH chief executive Phillip Kirwa yesterday confirmed that 18 students had been referred to the facility by Saturday night.

“Among the injured, five required surgeries in theatre for procedures including stitching, debridement of major wounds, tendon repairs and fixing of bone fractures,” said Dr Kirwa while briefing the press at the school.

MTRH responded promptly to emergency and liaised with their counterparts in Baringo county by dispatching a team comprising specialist doctors, medical officers, nurses, plaster technicians and various surgical and medical supplies to provide comprehensive assistance to the patients at the Baringo hospital.

“All students referred to MTRH are in stable condition and are responding well to treatment. Most of them will be discharged soon,” said Kirwa.

Witnesses told People Daily the driver lost control on the winding road at Patkwanin area, the bus hit a guard rail and rolled several times down the slope before landing in a ditch.

Road accidents

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who visited the school on Sunday to condole with the students and teachers, announced that the government will offer full support to the school following the loss.

He also urged motorists and other road users to be vigilant on the road to reduce the upsurge in road accidents and deaths.

“We will stand with you during this difficult time of grief. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with you following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of a student and a teacher,” Gachagua said.

“President William Ruto has assured you of full government support during this difficult time. We pray for a quick recovery for the injured who are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Baringo and Uasin Gishu counties,” added the DP.

Traffic rules

He decried the increase in number of accidents on Kenyan roads which he attributed to failure to observe traffic rules.

“We call on motorists to adhere to traffic rules. These accidents can be avoided if we are vigilant and careful, more so the drivers ferrying the school children,” he said.

He said the government will stand with the school during the difficult time, adding the school bus which was damaged will be replaced immediately.

Gachagua was accompanied by Education principal secretary Belio Kipsang, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Senator Samson Cherargei and Nandi county MPs who regretted the passing on of hardworking Geography teacher Kennedy Mwanja and the student.