Govt to cover victims’ expenses after deadly Webuye crash
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 11, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said the national government and Bungoma County Government will support victims of the deadly road crash at Malaha junction in Webuye that left 15 people dead and dozens injured.
Wetang’ula shared the update on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, saying the government will assist bereaved families while the county administration will meet the medical bills of those injured in the tragedy.
“President Dr William Ruto has assured government support to the bereaved families, while the County Government will cater for the medical expenses of all those injured,” Wetang’ula said.
The accident happened early Tuesday morning along the Kitale–Webuye highway in Bungoma County. According to police and witnesses, a long-distance trailer travelling from Kitale towards Webuye lost control and rammed into several vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians at Malaha junction.
Authorities said the crash occurred at around 2am. Earlier reports indicated that two motorcycles had collided head-on, drawing a crowd to the roadside. As people gathered at the scene, the trailer veered off the road and ploughed into the group.
The crash caused multiple deaths and injuries, including boda boda riders who were waiting by the highway.
Police confirmed that 15 people died in the accident while more than 20 others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to Webuye County Hospital and other nearby health facilities for treatment.
Wetang’ula said two of the injured victims require specialised treatment and arrangements are already underway to transfer them for further care.
“More than 21 people are currently admitted to various hospitals, with two requiring urgent specialised treatment, and arrangements have been made for their referral,” he said.
Calls for road safety
The Speaker condemned the truck driver involved in the crash and called for firm action against dangerous motorists on Kenyan roads.
“We strongly condemn the reckless truck driver responsible for the tragic accident at Malaha Junction in Webuye Sub-County, Bungoma, which claimed 15 lives,” Wetang’ula said.
Police officers have launched investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident. Webuye East Sub-County Police Commander Rosemary Odeke earlier confirmed the incident and urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly when driving at night.
Wetang’ula also called on the National Transport and Safety Authority to take swift action against reckless drivers and enforce road safety rules.
“The National Transport and Safety Authority must act swiftly to ensure such dangerous drivers are removed from our roads,” he said.
He further urged the judiciary to treat cases involving dangerous driving seriously.
“Our courts must also take the growing recklessness on our roads seriously; those who endanger lives must face the full force of the law,” he added.
The Speaker also called on lawmakers to strengthen regulations governing the transport sector in order to reduce road accidents.
“To Members of Parliament, we must tighten the rules and regulations governing the transport sector,” Wetang’ula said.
Meanwhile, leaders in Bungoma have formed a funeral committee to coordinate burial arrangements for the victims. The committee will be led by Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi Pepela and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga.
Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Chemtai Mbatiany and Members of the County Assembly will also be part of the team overseeing the arrangements.
A special mass for the victims will take place on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Webuye town.
“A Special Mass will be held on Monday, 16th March 2026, in Webuye Town to pray for the departed souls and wish a quick recovery to those still receiving treatment,” Wetang’ula said.