Londiani Tragedy: Murkomen Promises Gov’t Support To Families, Erection of Speed Bumps

Londiani Tragedy: Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the erection of speed bumps at the Londiani Junction in Kericho County to curb road accidents.

The measure comes after a tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 51 people and left 32 others hospitalized.

Speaking after visiting the scene on Saturday, CS Murkomen stated that the government would support the families of the accident victims.

In the accident, which occurred at 6:30 pm, a truck heading to Kericho allegedly lost control and ran over pedestrians, business people, and parked matatus along the Nakuru-Kericho highway. Eyewitness reports indicate that the trailer veered off the road and collided with numerous hawkers.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruyiot, who also visited the scene, called for the commissioning of Londiani Sub-County Hospital due to the lack of adequate health facilities. He highlighted that existing facilities in Kericho were overwhelmed as accident victims were rushed to multiple hospitals.

In response, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai announced the enforcement of a 50 km per hour speed limit in the affected section. He assured the affected families that the government would cover the hospital and postmortem bills and provide further support during their time of grieving.

Kidero’s car that was also involved in the Londiani accident, he wasn’t onboard at the time but his driver and bodyguard survived with minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/A5AkaGLltO

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The governor also appealed for blood donations to assist those in hospital and mentioned plans for a harambee to ensure a dignified send-off for the deceased without burdening their families.

Earlier, Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki expressed his condolences to the accident victims and urged road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules. He specifically called on drivers to exercise caution, avoid speeding, overloading, and dangerous driving.

Prof Kindiki also directed traffic officers to enforce road safety measures vigorously to prevent similar incidents. He emphasized the apprehension of offenders violating traffic rules, including those driving defective and unroadworthy vehicles, throughout the country.