A sombre mood has engulfed Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, following a horrific road accident that killed 26 people from Koguta village.
The accident occurred on Friday at the Coptic Mamboleo roundabout along the Kisumu-Kakamega road, leaving families shattered, survivors fighting for their lives, and an entire community in mourning.
As families struggle to come to terms with the loss, community leaders are being called upon to set aside political differences and stand with grieving families and survivors.
Among them is Dr Joannes Atella, Nyakach parliamentary aspirant and also the Patron of Grass Root Impact, who visited survivors at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
“This is not the time for politics. It is a time for healing, for solidarity, and for action,” Atela told the press during the JOOTRH visit.
He raised concern over the psychological trauma experienced by the affected families, noting that many are struggling to cope with the sudden loss and the uncertainty surrounding the recovery of their loved ones.
“The emotional toll is immense. These families need counselling, financial support, and assurance that they are not alone,” he added.
Atela announced that the Grass Root Impact organisation has mobilised crisis response teams to provide urgent counselling, medical care, and financial aid to affected families, appealing for additional support from other organisations and compassionate citizens to help the survivors receive the help they need.
He described the crash as one of the deadliest in recent history, urging the broader community to rally behind the victims, stressing that collective action and compassion are essential in times of tragedy.
The Luo Council of Elders’ chairperson in Nyakach, George Arogo, called for a halt to political activities in the region to allow the community to focus on supporting the affected families.
“Let us set aside all political activities and come together to support the victims and their families,” Arogo said.
Ogongo Oyango, an elder from Nyakach, urged local leaders and generous individuals to step forward and assist the families affected by the accident.
By Robert Ojwang’
