Tinderet Member of Parliament, Julius Kibiwot, has called for severe action against traffic police officers monitoring the Nandi Hills-Kopere highway in Nandi County after a tragic accident left 21 people injured, including 19 students.
Speaking outside the Nandi Hills Hospital on Tuesday, March 4, Kibiwot expressed his anger at the negligence of traffic officers, accusing them of failing to stop the overloaded vehicle before the accident took place.
He questioned how the Toyota Hiace, a vehicle designed to carry only 11 passengers, was allowed to carry 21 people—19 students, the driver, and the conductor—without any intervention from the officers.
“How could the police allow a van meant for just 11 people to travel with 19 students, a driver, and a conductor?” Kibiwot asked. “These officers need to be held accountable for letting this happen. It’s unacceptable, especially knowing that this vehicle was going through a dangerous, hilly area.”
To prevent future accidents and loss of life on the dangerous stretch of road, Kibiwot urged the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to install barriers along the highway to enhance safety.
The accident occurred on Monday evening when the vehicle, which was carrying students returning to school after their half-term break, lost control.
The vehicle rolled over and ended up in a ditch. Sadly, one Form Four student lost their life in the accident, and the others were rushed to Nandi Hills Hospital for immediate treatment.
Social media posts quickly showed the aftermath of the accident, with pictures and videos depicting the severely damaged vehicle. The windows were shattered, the seats were dislodged, and the tyres were deflated—illustrating just how horrific the crash was.
A medical officer at Nandi Hills Hospital reported that seven people were later transferred to Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret after sustaining critical injuries. Among those transferred was the driver, who, despite receiving medical treatment, remained unable to communicate.
The health official explained that two of the students had suffered head injuries, but after undergoing scans, doctors confirmed they were stable and receiving appropriate care.
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