Fatalities along breathtaking Tugen Hill scenery raise road safety concerns
By Wycliffe Kipsang, June 10, 2025Travelling along the winding Iten-Kabarnet road, one is treated to breathtaking scenery, especially the Tugen Hills, which run across the vast Kerio Valley.
However, concerns are now due to rampant cases of accidents along the route, which have claimed many lives.
More than 20 people have lost their lives along the route in the past two years, sparking fears that the route is now turning into a death trap.
A spot-check by People Daily reveals that the route has winding corners which prove difficult for motorists driving along the route fie the first time.
The latest of the accidents to be witnessed in the area was on Friday, June 6, 2025, where four people perished and six others were seriously injured at the Korobor area along the Iten-Kabarnet road.
According to Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge, the accident involved a Land Cruiser pick-up which was carrying 10 passengers heading towards Kabarnet town.
He said initial investigations revealed that the vehicle’s brakes failed, which resulted in it veering off the road before rolling severally.
“There has been an increase in accidents along this route. We call on motorists, especially those not conversant with the route, to be cautious to avert more disasters,” Mulinge said.
According to medics at the Iten County Referral Hospital, the six people rushed to the facility after the accident are stable and are receiving treatment well. The bodies of the deceased were moved to the same facility’s morgue.
On March 6, 2025, 12 people were seriously injured after a Matatu they were travelling in veered off the road at Kolol area due to brake failure.
The Toyota matatu belonging to Trans-West Sacco was driven by Jairo Masika Kamasi, 59, with 11 passengers on board heading to Kabarnet from Iten.
Mulinge then said the vehicle developed brake failure while descending from Kolol Viewpoint, causing the driver to lose control before overturning.
The driver sustained a compound fracture on his right leg, while the passengers suffered injuries ranging from cuts, bruises, dislocations and fractures.
More Articles
