Kericho leaders have renewed calls for urgent road safety interventions following a deadly road accident that claimed six lives and left a total of 46 passengers injured at the notorious Tunnel area along the Londiani–Fort Ternan stretch on Tuesday.
Kericho Police County Commander, Mr. James Ngetich, confirmed that a bus operated by Uwezo Sacco hit the rear of a trailer at the Tunnel area in Kipkelion West Sub-County while both were heading to Kisumu, leading to an accident that killed five passengers and the driver on the spot and injured 46 others.
Some of whom were treated at Fort Tenan Sub-County Hospital, while the critically injured were referred to Kericho County Referral Hospital.
In a statement, Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot described the crash as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by poorly designed and inadequately secured roads, particularly in known black spots.
He urged the Ministry of Roads and Transport to prioritise a comprehensive review of road designs along the Londiani-Fort Ternan-Muhoroni corridor, as well as the Londiani-Kedowa-Kericho-Kisii road, stretches he noted have recorded recurrent accidents.
The Senator emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures, including proper signage, speed controls, road repairs, and stricter enforcement, warning that preventable tragedies would continue unless decisive action is taken.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic road crash on the Muhoroni-Londiani road that claimed six precious lives and left several others injured. This devastating incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to make our roads safer for everyone across the country,” said Senator Cheruiyot.
Cheruiyot also appealed to motorists, boda boda riders, pedestrians, and public transport operators to exercise extra caution, particularly during the ongoing back-to-school rush, and called on the public to work closely with authorities by reporting reckless road behaviour.
Meanwhile, Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai assured residents that the county’s emergency response systems had been fully activated following the crash, with medical teams swiftly deployed to manage the high number of casualties.
He urged motorists to exercise caution, strictly observe road safety measures, and remain vigilant on highways prone to accidents.
On the other hand, Kericho Deputy Governor Engineer Fred Kirui echoed the senator’s concerns, proposing long-term infrastructural solutions to curb accidents along the Muhoroni–Londiani Highway.
Kirui cited previous road safety proposals along the Salgaa–Kibunja stretch and the Ngata Bridge, which he said significantly reduced accidents after implementation, urging the national government to replicate similar interventions in Kericho.
“The time has come for us to put in place measures to reduce accidents along the Mohoroni–Londiani Highway. I propose the construction of a dual carriageway from Siret to Fort Ternan as well as the establishment of runaway lanes to enhance road safety,” said Kirui.
By Kibe Mburu and Hillary Kemei
