Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a heartfelt statement addressing the tragic road accident that occurred the previous evening on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, which claimed 23 lives.

The accident involved a Naki High School bus carrying 61 mourners returning from a burial in Nyahera, Kisumu West sub-county, to Nyakach.

The bus overturned at the notorious Coptic roundabout, a known accident blackspot, leaving the community in mourning and reigniting calls for stronger road safety measures across Kenya.

Solidarity and grief

In her official statement, Governor Wanga expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as “not just an accident” but “a rupture in the fabric of our neighbouring Kisumu community.” She extended her deepest condolences to the affected families and the entire Kisumu County, saying, “As Governor of Homa Bay, I stand in solidarity with my brother, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.”

She acknowledged the shared pain, noting, “While this tragedy did not occur in Homa Bay, grief knows no borders, and we are united in sorrow.” Her remarks underscored the close ties within the Nyanza region, especially during times of loss.

The accident claimed the lives of ten men, ten women, and an eight-month-old child. Four more victims later died from injuries sustained and were admitted to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), where 21 others are receiving treatment, some in critical condition.

Governor Wanga prayed for the recovery of the injured, stating, “To those in critical condition and fighting for their lives, we pray for full and quick recovery.” She also pledged that Homa Bay County stands ready to provide any necessary support to Kisumu during this painful time.

Response and investigations

President William Ruto reacted swiftly to the tragedy by ordering traffic enforcement officers to intensify operations and crack down on violations. He called for urgent action to hold those responsible accountable, saying, “We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence leading to the accident and address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country.”

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has deployed road safety auditors to investigate the cause of the crash, with preliminary findings suggesting the driver lost control while navigating the roundabout.

Call for road safety reforms

Governor Wanga commended Kisumu County’s prompt response, including emergency audits and enhanced safety measures. She offered words of comfort to the bereaved, assuring them that “when the cameras leave and the headlines fade, know that our collective heart remains with you.”

Her statement called for unity and sustained community support, emphasising, “No words can mend this loss, but you have our unwavering community solidarity.” The tragedy has reignited public calls for comprehensive road safety reforms aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.