6 people have been confirmed dead, and several injured following a tragic road accident involving a lorry and a matatu at Chebarus along Kapsabet-Chemelil road in Nandi County. According to Kaplelmet Location Chief David Bett, the driver of the Matatu is alleged to have lost control of the vehicle causing it veer off the road and overturn. causing the grisly road accident.
#Kenya: #NandiCounty: #RoadTrafficAccident:
Atleast Five people feared death following a tragic accident involving a 14-seater matatu in the vicinity of Kona Nyanyaa area along Nandi Hills – Kimwani Road (C37). Traffic snarl up maybe expected. @KenyaRedCross via @RAMASecurities pic.twitter.com/7TynhHkZkP— KenyanTraffic (@KenyanTraffic) December 29, 2018
Confirming the incident, Kaplelmet Location Chief David Bett said a young girl who was waiting to board a vehicle to Nandi Hills was crushed to death while the other four passengers including the driver died on the spot.
The Chief appealed to the transport authorities to install rail guards along the road to avoid such accidents. He further called erection of visible road signs and bumps.
The injured were rushed to health facilities in Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties while bodies of the deceased were moved to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Mortuary.
Hundreds of minibus, taxi drivers and conductors as well as passengers have been arrested in Kenya since police began enforcing long-ignored road safety rules.
These include matatu operators, operators of private vehicles and even users of (Public Service Vehicles) who do not fastened thier seatbelts.
Mr Boinnet has warned passengers against boarding vehicles that are not compliant with the country’s “Michuki rules”, dating back to 2004 and named after the then transport minister.
Previous government efforts to enforce road safety rules have been undermined by corruption and a lack of political will.
Kenya’s matatus are often painted in bright colours, pumping loud music and with neon lights and large television screens flashing inside.
The minibuses are seen as a menace on the roads, speeding, engaging in hair-raising manoeuvres and flouting basic traffic rules.
However the cheap and fast service they provide is essential for millions of commuters.
Interior minister Fred Matiang’i said the government would implement the rules in the interests of road safety, despite the disruption.
“I have been told that some operators have decided to withdraw their vehicles. That is fine; they can keep them at home as long as they want to because we are not changing our position,” he said.