Western Kenya is facing a heart-breaking December as road accidents continue to claim lives, with the latest tragedy reported in Bumala, Busia County. Four people lost their lives and several others were injured on Friday, December 5, after a vehicle they were travelling in lost control and overturned along the Bumala-Port Victoria road.
The fatal crash occurred in the Wakhungu area of Nangina Ward in Funyula Constituency, adding to a worrying trend of December road carnage in the region. Many families across Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma, and the larger Western Kenya region are now entering the festive season in mourning rather than celebration.
Samia Sub-County OCPD Richard Moracha confirmed the deaths, noting that police have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash. He urged motorists to exercise maximum caution, especially during the festive period when traffic volumes typically surge.
Images from the scene showed the vehicle completely mangled, as residents and local authorities worked together in desperate rescue efforts. According to police, the deceased include the driver, a woman, and two men, while the survivors were rushed to Nangina Mission Hospital for emergency treatment.
Burst Tyre Suspected, Police Probe Ongoing
Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle may have suffered a front tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. However, investigators are still piecing together the exact sequence of events to determine all possible contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle state, and potential driver fatigue.
NTSA Intensifies Patrols as Western Kenya Records More Holiday Tragedies
The accident comes at a time when the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service (NPS) have intensified patrols and compliance checks across Western Kenya’s busy highways. With thousands travelling home for the holidays, authorities are working to curb the rising number of crashes reported every December.
Among NTSA’s measures is the mandatory re-testing of drivers flagged for violations through enforcement teams and the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS). Introduced in 2023, IRSMS digitally monitors vehicles – including PSVs and commercial fleets – by tracking speed, braking patterns, driver behaviour and route compliance.
When violations such as speeding or reckless overtaking are detected, the system sends instant alerts, allowing enforcement teams to take action. Drivers found repeatedly breaching safety standards may be subjected to retraining or penalties to improve road safety.
A Dark Festive Season for Western Kenya
The Bumala crash now adds to the growing sorrow felt across Western Kenya, where multiple families have already been robbed of their loved ones this December. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, they are urging all motorists to slow down, stay alert and prioritise safety to prevent further loss of life during the festive season.