The incident deviates from a typical road accident involving loss of control, speeding, or collisions. According to John Kiama, Disaster Response Officer in Kerugoya, the tragedy stemmed from a botched hijacking attempt.
Kiama shared that distant cries initially seemed to be the usual sounds from the nearby mortuary. However, when the commotion intensified, he and others decided to investigate. On reaching the Kerugoya-Kutus road, they discovered a hijacking was underway, with the vehicle’s occupants calling for help.
“We were informed that the vehicle had been hijacked, and the occupants were pleading for rescue. One woman managed to escape at Kerugoya Boys,” Kiama recounted.
Despite efforts to intervene, the vehicle continued down the road, and one victim tragically lost their life. Witness James Mugo reported seeing the car speeding as individuals were forcibly ejected. “The vehicle eventually stopped 7 kilometers from the initial scene,” Mugo said.
The injured were rushed to Kerugoya Hospital for medical attention.
In response to a surge in road incidents, Kenya’s Ministry of Transport unveiled the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 earlier this year. The plan aims to curb the rising accidents, which not only inflict emotional and physical harm but also cost the nation an estimated Ksh450 billion annually.
