A devastating road accident at Londiani Junction near the town of Kericho in western Kenya has resulted in the loss of at least 48 lives, according to reports from local police and witnesses. The incident occurred when a lorry transporting a shipping container lost control at the busy junction, causing a catastrophic collision.
Geoffrey Mayek, the police commander, confirmed that 30 individuals sustained serious injuries, but expressed concerns that the actual number of casualties could be higher. He also noted the possibility of one or two people still trapped underneath the overturned vehicle. Tom Mboya Odero, another regional police commander, explained that the lorry, travelling towards Kericho, veered out of control and collided with eight vehicles, several motorcycles, pedestrians, vendors, and others conducting their daily activities.
Eyewitnesses shared accounts with Kenyan media, indicating that the lorry driver was attempting to avoid a broken-down bus on the road. The tragic outcome of the accident has deeply affected Kenyan President William Ruto, who expressed distress over the loss of young people with promising futures and hardworking individuals going about their daily routines. In a tweet, President Ruto urged motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads, particularly during heavy rainfall.
An image circulated online, revealed a red shipping container lying on its side at the bottom of a small grassy bank beside the road. Kericho’s governor, Dr. Erick Mutai, described the incident as a “dark moment” for the town and expressed deep sorrow. Dr Mutai confirmed that emergency services had been dispatched to the scene, although rescue operations may be hindered by rainfall, as reported by local sources. It remains unclear if the weather played a role in the accident.
Road accidents are a well-known issue in East Africa, with narrower roads outside major cities contributing to the high number of incidents. According to the World Health Organization, Africa has the highest road traffic fatality rate globally. Last year, central Kenya witnessed another tragic accident, claiming the lives of 34 people when a bus veered off a bridge and plunged into the Nithi River below. The recent accident serves as a sombre reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the region.
