The National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have promised to take lead in cracking down on rogue drivers blamed for the increasing number of roads accidents in the country.
The announcement comes after 16 people perished in a grisly road accident along the Mweiga-Nyeri highway following a head on collision between a lorry and a PSV matatu.
The 5 pm Saturday incident which happened a short distance from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology involved the PSV matatu which was ferrying commuters to Mweiga and the truck which was transporting firewood to Nyeri town.
In separate press statements, the two agencies also pledged to ensure thorough probe into the accident are conducted and those found culpable for the incident brought to book.
In the press statements dated March 28 and 29 respectively, NTSA and the National Police Service also condoled with the families of the bereaved and promised to stand with them and ensure they get needed support as they plan to bury their loved ones.
“At this time, the detailed findings of the crash investigation are not yet established. However, preliminary report points to a combination of factors that we have consistently warned against: Reckless driving, excessive speeding and the operation of an unserviceable lorry that likely lost control,” read the statement signed by NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa.
“The NTSA will conduct a thorough and swift investigation to establish the exact sequence of events. We will scrutinize the roadworthiness of the commercial vehicles involved, the conduct of the drivers, and the adherence to traffic regulations. I want to be unequivocal: If these suspicions are confirmed, this was a preventable catastrophe.”
The National Police Service has also launched investigations into the cause of Saturday’s crash to unearth what led to the fatal collision.
Police have also urged both motorists and pedestrians to be cooperate with security agents in curbing the rising cases of road carnage being witnessed in the country by observing the highway code.
“Following the accident, the National Police Service extends its deepest and most heart help condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased and the wishes the inured swift and full recovery. Meanwhile, we remind all motorist, pedestrians and other road users of their fundamental duty and personal responsibility to exercise due care, caution and good judgment while using the roads.” read the statement dated March 29 and signed by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
Meanwhile the number of fatalities from the Saturday accident has climbed from the initial 15 to 16 after a male patient who was admitted at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital succumbed to his injuries.
Central Region Traffic Police Enforcement boss Elizabeth Vivi has also told the press ten bodies of the accident victims have already been recognized by their relatives while six are still lying at the facility’s mortuary awaiting identification.
“We are doing everything possible to see to it that anybody that is found culpable is answerable to this heinous act. So far ten bodies have so far been identified by their families and six remain unidentified. We are therefore people who have lost their relatives, their kin to come forward at the Nyeri PGH to see to it that we have fully the six bodies that are still lying at the facility.” reported Vivi.
Earlier on Saturday Vivi had reported that the truck was trying to avoid hitting a bodaboda rider when the driver lost control of the truck and rammed into the oncoming Nyekita Sacco registered matatu.
Four passengers from the ill-fated PSV matatu perished on the spot while 10 others succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at the Nyeri County Referral hospital.
Overall, six people who were involved in the accident were rushed to the Nyeri County Referral hospital while one was admitted at the Mathari hospital.
Elsewhere, Nyeri Governor, Dr Mutahi Kahiga has confirmed that the national government in collaboration with the county government of Nyeri is planning a joint requiem service for the 16 road accident victims.
Speaking at the Nyeri golf club today (Monday) during the County annual prayer breakfast, Dr Kahiga said that President Dr William Ruto had directed him together with the County Commissioner Josphat Biwott to form a joint committee that would ensure the deceased are accorded a dignified send off.
“So far only 11 victims have been identified and these include the Kenya Forest Service Officer who hails from Machakos County and an Assistant Chief. Once we have the data on where each of them hail from, we will be able to identify the most ideal venue for the service. I also want to call upon all of us to assist these 16 families to accord their loved ones a decent send-off, “stated Kahiga.
While conveying his message of condolence to the affected families, Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha who was also present at the function, urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
Nkanatha said that the accident was a profound loss for the county and called for strict adherence to traffic rules noting that road safety was key in reducing road carnage.
“I think it is time we started talking to our drivers and other motorists to be very careful when using our roads.These roads are meant to be used by all of us.As a region we cannot complain about our roads being in poor state so when we hear of road accidents we immediately conclude they are as result of carelessness on the part of the drivers ,”he said.
Road carnage has been on a steady rise in the country for years now with 3,000 people losing their lives to road accidents every year.
Last year Kenya recorded 5,009 accidents from road carnage according to statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority.
This was an increase of 261 fatalities compared to 2024.
by Samuel Maina and Wangari Mwangi
