Police raise concerns amid rising road accidents

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations following a rise in road accidents.

Masengeli expressed concern over the increasing number of fatal and serious accidents that have occurred since last month, highlighting the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway as a major hotspot for these incidents.

Masengeli pointed out that the majority of these accidents are caused by human error and poor judgment. He noted that reckless driving behaviours such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and dangerous overtaking are the primary contributors to the accidents. He emphasized the need for all motorists to rigorously follow traffic rules and regulations, stating, "Ensuring safety and maintaining order on our roads is a shared responsibility."

This call for stricter adherence to traffic laws came after a meeting between the National Police Service and leaders from the Kenya Matatu Council. The meeting aimed to bolster road safety measures and address the growing concerns over road accidents. Masengeli mentioned that the National Police Service is working closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority to strengthen the enforcement of traffic laws.

In a separate incident on Saturday morning, one person died, and several others were injured in an accident at the Twin Bridge on the Nakuru-Eldoret road.

The crash has deeply impacted the local community, with the Red Cross reporting 44 injuries. Of these, 14 individuals were transported to Molo Sub County Hospital, while 30 others received treatment at the scene.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and officials have yet to provide detailed information.

A survivor of the accident, who was travelling from Bungoma to Nairobi, described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. He recalled that the bus was moving safely and was fully occupied until a point where the speed increased, causing passengers to become concerned.

This morning's accident follows another tragic event that occurred just a few days earlier on August 20. In that incident, at least 13 people lost their lives, and 36 others were injured in an accident on the same route.

The Kenya Red Cross indicated that the earlier incident involved a Coast bus and several other vehicles. According to reports, the bus lost control after its brakes failed, leading to a collision with other vehicles and eventually veering into a ditch. The scene was chaotic, with wreckage and personal items scattered as police worked to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow.