Four people lost their lives, and one was seriously injured in a devastating accident along the Pala Awasi stretch of the Kisumu-Kericho Highway on Friday, December 27. The incident involved a Nissan private car carrying five occupants traveling from Kericho to Kisumu.
Nyanza Region Traffic Officer Peter Maina confirmed the crash, which occurred around noon, stating that the vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a culvert ditch after the driver lost control.
“The deceased include the driver, two male passengers, and one female passenger. A fifth passenger, identified as 29-year-old Denish Otieno, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment,” Maina said.
The deceased were transported to Otho Private Mortuary, while Otieno was rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu. Authorities are awaiting Otieno’s recovery to establish whether the passengers were related, as he remains unconscious and unable to provide information.
Maina noted that preliminary investigations have yet to identify the exact cause of the accident, as no other vehicle was involved. He attributed potential factors to driver fatigue, reckless driving, or a poorly serviced vehicle.
Festive Season Warnings
Maina issued a caution to road users during the holiday season, emphasizing the risks of overspeeding, overloading, and driving under the influence. He also urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly serviced and to remain vigilant on unfamiliar routes.
“Many accidents during the festive season result from impatience, fatigue, and poorly maintained vehicles. We urge all drivers to exercise caution and avoid risky behaviors on the road,” Maina stated.
The traffic department has deployed additional officers to mitigate traffic snarl-ups along hotspot areas, aiming to ensure smooth travel for holidaymakers.
Passengers were also advised to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, as such practices not only increase the risk of accidents but complicate insurance claims in case of incidents.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the precise cause of the accident, urging all road users to prioritize safety during the festive period.
