A cloud of grief has descended on western Kenya following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of seven people along the Katito–Kendu Bay Highway. The fatal collision, involving a lorry and a Nissan matatu, occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Pap Onditi, a busy and often congested stretch on the Kisumu–Kendu Bay route.
According to witnesses, the matatu was heading towards Kendu Bay when it collided head-on with the oncoming lorry under circumstances that are still under investigation. The impact of the crash was devastating, leaving the matatu extensively damaged and trapping several passengers inside the wreckage. Good Samaritans and local residents rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue survivors before emergency services arrived.
Police and medical teams later confirmed that seven people died on the spot, while several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise. The bodies of the deceased were transferred to local mortuaries as families began the painful process of identifying their loved ones.
Traffic along the highway was temporarily disrupted as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and restore normal flow. The accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety on the Kisumu–Kendu Bay corridor, which has recorded multiple fatal crashes in recent years.
Police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the collision, with preliminary reports pointing to possible speeding or reckless driving. Meanwhile, leaders and residents have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and increased safety measures to prevent further loss of life on the busy highway.