Hundreds of motorist plying the Narok-Bomet road were stranded for several hours after residents of Katakala area blocked and barricaded the road demanding compensation for six cows knocked dead by two private vehicles.
Confirming the incident Sub-County Police Commander, Narok North, Joseph Kisombe, said that two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace and an unknown vehicle that drove off were coming from a funeral in Bomet before hitting six cows, killing them the spot at Katakala Bridge along Narok-Bomet road at about 7:30pm, leaving several other animals injured.
“Two occupants in the Toyota Hiace sustained minor injuries after a major impact from the accident and therefore could not escape,” he added.
According to Kisombe, police officers acted swiftly after receiving the report and arrived at the scene. They tried to talk to the locals so that they could come up with an amicable solution but were adamant, therefore, were dispersed using teargas.
“We were able to remove the carcasses of the cows off the road after dispersing the crowd and arranged for the other cows that were along the road to be taken home by the owners,” he said.
He further said the accident could have been caused by a heavy downpour at the time which may have occasioned poor visibility on the road.
“I urge Narok residents not to be blocking the roads because no single person arranges to have accidents and this will help reduce conflict between the public and security personnel,” he added.
Investigations are ongoing to find out who between the owners of the cows or the vehicle were on the wrong so that the law may take its course.
Drivers have been urged to drive at moderate speed during this rainy season even in clear roads so that they can be able to take control of their vehicles in case of anything abrupt that may happen along the road.
The police have, however, towed the wreckage of the vehicle to Narok Police Station as investigation into the incident commences.
The Government through the Ministry of Interior has in the past warned the herders against blocking the busy highway, giving warning that those found will be met with the full wrath of the law.
This occurrence is however common along the busy highway as the pastoralists often graze or move their animals along the road, especially when headed to livestock market.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku and Kevin Bogita
