Kwale police crackdown on reckless PSV operators ahead of Eid celebrations

Kwale police commander Stephen Ng'etich at his office in Kwale town. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo
Saturday, June 15, 2024

Ng'etich advised the public and road users to be vigilant and report reckless drivers to help curb road accidents

Kwale police commander Stephen Ng'etich has issued a stern warning to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators against overspeeding and carrying excess passengers during Eid celebrations.

Ng'etich highlighted that most accidents occur during festive seasons due to operators rushing to maximise their earnings.

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Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice over the phone on Saturday, Ng'etich stated that police have intensified crackdowns on poorly serviced cars, unlicensed drivers, and those breaking traffic rules to reduce road accidents in the region.

He warned reckless drivers to stay off the roads or face the full force of the law.

"We understand that today, tomorrow, and even Monday, there will be a lot of people traveling to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. We want to warn the PSV operators in advance, our teams will be on the roads just for you," he said.

Ng'etich reported that at least 75 road accidents were recorded between June last year and May this year in Kwale County, according to police records.

Twenty of these cases involved fatalities, while the rest included severe injuries, leaving many people handicapped.

He noted that most accidents occurred on the Mombasa-Lunga-Lunga highways. "The number of accidents is alarming, with our main highways being the most affected," Ng'etich said.

Ng'etich noted that some of these accidents are self-inflicted, with PSV operators overspeeding and overlapping without considering traffic rules, leading to deaths and injuries. He added that some drivers plying the highway do not possess driving licenses.

"It is sad that these individuals work without driving licenses and violate almost all traffic rules and safety measures," the police boss said.

The upcoming crackdown will also target unroadworthy vehicles.

"If you do not have the required documents or your vehicle doesn't meet traffic standards, kindly stay away from our roads, because once we find you, stern action shall be taken," he said.

Ng'etich advised the public and road users to be vigilant and report reckless drivers to help curb road accidents, noting that the roads are currently flooded with people traveling to celebrate with their loved ones.

Some travelers expressed their frustration with hiked prices. Bijuma Athumani, traveling from Mombasa to Ukunda, said bus fares had doubled.

"The bus fares have been hiked from Sh100 to Sh200 from Likoni to Ukunda. Also, the operators are carrying excess passengers, and when you complain, they ask you to get your car," she said.