Gachagua mourns 21 lives lost in Kisumu road crash
By Faith Lagat, August 8, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took to X on August 8, 2025, to share his grief following a road accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway in Mamboleo that claimed 21 lives.
In a statement, Gachagua wrote, “I am deeply pained by the Kisumu Road crash that has claimed 21 innocent lives today. One life lost is one too many.”
He extended condolences on behalf of his family, offering sympathy to the bereaved: “My family and I send our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific crash.”
The tragic road accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway in Mamboleo claimed the lives of 21 people, sending shockwaves across the region.
The crash involved a school bus belonging to Naki AIC High School that overturned at a notorious black spot near the Coptic area, leaving several others injured.
Gachagua expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasising the heavy toll it has taken on the families affected.
The Kisumu County Department of Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation responded promptly by dispatching emergency teams and four ambulances to the scene.
The department noted in an official statement, “We’re responding to a serious accident near the Coptic area on the Kisumu-Kakamega Road. Our team is on the ground, and we’ll share more updates as they become available. Please use caution if you’re in the area.” The accident site is known for frequent crashes, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region.
Road tragedies raise safety concerns
This disaster comes shortly after another fatal accident in Naivasha on August 7, where a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) bus collided with a train at a railway crossing near the Morendat Training and Conference Centre. That crash claimed nine lives and left several injured, with critically wounded victims airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also expressed condolences, describing the tragedy as deeply painful. He thanked first responders and urged continued vigilance on the roads.
Calls for improved road safety
In light of these back-to-back tragedies, Gachagua urged road users to exercise maximum caution. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you. “We must all be safe on our roads for one another,” he said. The Kisumu-Kakamega highway, particularly near the Coptic area, has long been considered a hazardous stretch, and these recent incidents have reignited calls for better infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and heightened road safety awareness nationwide.
As communities mourn, the focus turns to preventing further loss of life and ensuring safer journeys for all Kenyans.