Student killed in accident as fresh tragedy on Kapsabet-Chavakali road renews safety concerns

• A student and a boda boda rider were killed in a road accident on the Kapsabet–Chavakali road as three others sustain injuries after a speeding van rammed into a motorcycle carrying four students from Kaptik Secondary School.

• The incident triggered protests from residents, who torched the van and blamed reckless driving for the tragedy.

• The accident has renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement, speed control measures, and enhanced road safety along the notorious route.

A tragic road accident that claimed the lives of a boda boda rider and a student has renewed concerns over safety along the Kapsabet-Chavakali road.

The accident occurred when a speeding van rammed into a motorcycle that was transporting four students believed to be from Kaptik Secondary School.

One student and the rider died on the spot while three other students suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The incident sparked outrage among residents, who set the van on fire, blaming the driver for reckless driving.

“We have lost too many lives on this road. Drivers must respect speed limits because our children are the ones suffering,” said a resident at the scene.

The latest tragedy comes only months after another accident along the same route claimed the lives of three Kaptik Secondary School students and a boda boda rider following a collision involving a lorry.

ALSO READ:

KICD wins top State Corporation Productivity Award at national awards ceremony

Residents have now called for increased traffic enforcement, speed calming measures and stricter monitoring of motorists using the road.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has since appealed to all road users to prioritize safety, particularly during the ongoing midterm break when many learners are travelling.

“Motorists should avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and overlapping. Public service vehicles must also ensure passengers are transported safely and within the required capacity,” NTSA stated.

The authority further encouraged members of the public to report reckless drivers and traffic offenders to help reduce road carnage.

Police launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

By Kimutai Langat