At least 13 people have lost their lives and 11 others are nursing serious injuries following a tragic road accident at Cheptangulgei in Sotik, Bomet County.
The fatal crash, which occurred on Saturday, April 5, involved three vehicles; a personal car, a 14-seater matatu and a truck.
According to local reports, several passengers died on the spot due to the impact of the collision, while emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the injured.
In his statement, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok expressed his sorrow following the devastating incident and wished a quick recovery to the survivors.
He further revealed that a multi-agency rescue team had responded to the scene and evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals.
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"Deeply saddened to learn of a grisly road accident that has occurred on the Sotik-Kericho Highway at Cheptangulgei, Sotik Sub County. The 3 car accident has led to some fatalities and some serious injuries. Rescue teams from Kaplong Mission Hospital, the County Government of Bomet, the County Government of Kericho, the Kenya Red Cross and the Kenya Police have evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals to receive urgent medical attention.
"As we continue to monitor their progress, we wish the injured a quick recovery and send our sincere condolences to the families of those who've lost their loved ones," he wrote on Facebook.
On the other hand, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula conveyed his condolences, urging caution on the roads during the Easter season.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 13 lives following a grisly road accident at Cheptangulgei along the Kaplong–Kericho road, involving a matatu and a salon car. I wish a swift recovery to the survivors currently receiving treatment. As we observe this Easter season, a time of reflection, renewal, and hope, I urge all road users to exercise utmost caution and responsibility.
"Our roads are not just pathways to destinations; they are shared spaces that demand care, patience, and above all, respect for life. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may their loved ones find comfort and strength during this profoundly difficult time," he said.
This tragedy comes barely a month after 13 people were confirmed dead following a tragic road accident at Migaa black spot along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The accident occurred on Friday, March 14 at around 2AM and involved a matatu and a trailer ferrying coffee seeds.
Preliminary reports indicate that the trailer, which was heading to Eldoret experienced brake failure, lost control, and rammed into the matatu trapping the passengers on board.
