Ruto calls for action after Kisumu-Kakamega highway crash kills 25
Ruto emphasised the urgent need to tackle all traffic violations and improve road safety across the country. Survivors are currently receiving care at a referral hospital as the president demands swift justice.
President William Ruto has called on traffic authorities to act immediately and hold accountable those responsible for negligence in the Kisumu-Kakamega highway crash that has claimed 25 lives.
Ruto emphasised the urgent need to tackle all traffic violations and improve road safety nationwide. Survivors are currently receiving care at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
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“We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence leading to the accident and address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country,” Ruto said on Saturday.
He also sent condolences to the families of the victims and wished a quick recovery to those injured.
The tragic crash occurred around 5:30 pm on Friday at the Coptic roundabout just outside Kisumu City when a school bus carrying mourners from Nyahera to Nyakach lost control while trying to navigate the notorious blackspot and overturned.
Health Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga confirmed that 21 victims died instantly at the scene, with four others passing away shortly after arrival at JOOTRH.
Currently, 28 patients, including a child, are receiving treatment for their injuries.
“We have mobilised all health workers on duty and alerted additional personnel to ensure the injured get the best possible care,” Oluga said.
He added that efforts are ongoing with the county government and neighbouring hospitals to respond effectively to the tragedy.
A blood donation drive will begin at 9 am on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Leresian Park inside JOOTRH to support those who lost blood in the crash.
Most of the passengers were relatives and friends returning from a funeral in Nyahera, Nyakach.
PS Olunga described the loss as heartbreaking. “This is devastating for the entire nation. We stand with the bereaved families and wish the injured a quick recovery.”
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili joined PS Oluga in praising the swift response of medical teams, the Kenya Red Cross, and security agencies who rushed to the scene.
Several local leaders, including MPs Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), Dr Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Aduma Owour (Nyakach), and Dr Greggory Ganda, Kisumu County Health Chief Executive Member, also visited the hospital to offer support.
Nyanza Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Peter Maina confirmed that the fatalities included 10 men, 10 women, and an eight-month-old baby. The 20 survivors were rushed to JOOTRH, with five in critical condition.
Mechanical experts will inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of the crash.
The Coptic roundabout, where the accident took place, is known as a dangerous blackspot with a history of fatal crashes.
Locals have blamed poor road design, lack of proper signage, and reckless driving for the frequent accidents in the area.
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