Tragic Bus Accident Claims 25 Lives Returning from Funeral in Kenya

A bus carrying mourners overturned along a notorious highway, resulting in at least 25 fatalities, including several family members.

A tragic accident unfolded in western Kenya when a bus carrying mourners returning from a funeral veered off the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway and overturned into a ditch. Local authorities report that the driver lost control of the vehicle on Friday afternoon, leading to a horrific toll of 25 dead, including 10 women, 10 men, and a young girl, as well as 20 others injured. Of those injured, five were reported to be in critical condition, with four later succumbing to their injuries in the hospital.

The bus was a secondary school vehicle but was repurposed for transporting mourners after a burial ceremony in Nyahera, heading to Nyakach, located approximately 62 km (38.5 miles) away. The specific cause of the crash remains under investigation, with police urging caution for motorists across the region.

In response to this devastating incident, Kenya's Ministry of Health has initiated an urgent blood drive to assist survivors and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Kenyan President William Ruto took to social media, calling for swift action against any negligence that contributed to the tragedy, emphasizing the need for better adherence to traffic safety standards.

This tragic accident is part of a disturbing trend in Kenya, where road fatalities have surged more than 20% between 2020 and 2021, with more than 4,500 deaths reported last year alone. In the past week, other deadly incidents included a plane crash in Nairobi that killed six and a train collision in Naivasha leading to nine fatalities. The National Transport and Safety Authority of Kenya has pledged to assist in determining the reasons behind this tragic crash, underscoring the pressing need for enhancements in road safety measures throughout the nation.