Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three pupils and a matatu conductor in Nyakach.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 2, Nyong'o also suggested that action be taken against individuals whose negligence led to the accident.
"I wish to appeal to the police to immediately launch detailed investigations into this accident to establish the cause and take appropriate action to individuals whose mistakes may have led to the crash," the statement read.
Nyong'o lamented the loss of young lives in an incident he believes could have been avoided if the drivers had adhered to safety protocols.
"It is unfortunate that we have lost such young souls in a tragic accident that could have been avoided had the drivers of the two vehicles taken the required caution and adhered to professionalism," the statement further read.
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The crash, which occurred at Kibwon, involved a matatu carrying students from Ober Boys Boarding School in Homa Bay County and a lorry.
According to the statement by Nyong'o, nineteen other students sustained injuries in the accident.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended his condolences to those affected.
"On behalf of the people of Kisumu County, I convey heartfelt condolences to teachers, pupils, and parents of Ober Boys Boarding School for this great loss of lives of the pupils who were traveling to their homes for the April holidays," the statement added.
This tragedy comes a month after two primary school pupils and an adult were shot dead in a suspected banditry attack in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident, which occurred on Monday, March 3 was a retaliatory attack after armed bandits ambushed herders along the Kerio River and killed 17-year-old Longoria Krop.
The headers were driving their cattle to the river for water when the bandits attacked them and sprayed bullets indiscriminately.
The assailants who are suspected to be from Elgeyo Marakwet then stole the herd of cattle and drove them towards Market East.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich in a statement on Tuesday morning condemned the incidents saying they are reversing gains made to bring peace in the region.
“The few reckless criminals have reversed the many gains we have made but we won’t relent until we find lasting peace. Those criminals want everyone to give up on this war, but we are not stopping until we have children and women live in a safe space,” said Rotich.
