Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of 21 lives in a devastating bus accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway on August 8, 2025.

“My condolences to 21 families who perished in this fatal accident after a bus carrying mourners overturned at Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu. Indeed, a bad month – just today and yesterday losing people in a plane crash in Mwiihoko, a train and a bus in Naivasha, and a bus again today in Kisumu, claiming 21 people. SO BAD. God, may you protect every Kenyan in August.”

The accident occurred when a bus carrying 61 mourners from Naki AIC High School overturned near the Coptic roundabout—a known accident black spot—after reportedly hitting an object, causing the driver to lose control.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) confirmed that 19 bodies were brought directly from the scene, with two unidentified adult males and a male child succumbing to injuries upon arrival, totalling 21 fatalities.

JOOTRH staff responded promptly to the emergency, receiving and treating the survivors who are currently stable and admitted to the hospital’s Emergency and Accident Unit. The hospital’s official Facebook page noted, “Staff at JOOTRH moved swiftly this evening to receive and save the lives of survivors.”

A dedicated help desk was set up to offer psychosocial support and information to the grieving families, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to comprehensive care during this difficult time.

Leaders offer condolences

The tragedy drew heartfelt condolences from leaders across the country. MP Salasya lamented, “My condolences to 21 families who perished in this fatal accident… Indeed a bad month, just today and yesterday, losing people in a plane crash in Mwihoko, train and bus accidents in Naivasha, and a bus again today in Kisumu, claiming 21 people. So bad. God, may you protect every Kenyan in August.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “I am deeply pained by the Kisumu road crash that has claimed 21 innocent lives today. One life lost is one too many. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific crash.”

Renewed calls for improved road safety

The Kisumu County Department of Medical Services dispatched emergency teams and ambulances immediately following the accident. They urged motorists to exercise caution around the Coptic roundabout, a notorious danger zone. This incident follows a deadly bus-train collision in Naivasha on August 7, which claimed nine lives, highlighting an alarming pattern of road accidents in recent days.

The repeated tragedies have reignited calls for improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent further loss of life. JOOTRH added a solemn appeal, “We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved and urge all drivers to practise safe driving to avoid such devastating incidents.”

As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Salasya’s plea for divine protection resonates with a national hope for safer roads and an end to the heartbreaking losses that have marred the month of August.