The death toll from yesterday’s tragic road accident in Mamboleo, Kisumu County, has risen to twenty-six. Families of the victims remain at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, where both the national and county governments have pledged to cater for all burial expenses.
Confirming the updated figures, Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Director-General for Health Services in Kenya, revealed that the number increased after four more victims succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment. Several others are still admitted in critical condition, with medical teams working round the clock to save their lives.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has set up a response centre at the hospital to provide psychological support to affected families. In addition, a nationwide appeal for blood donations has been issued to help meet the urgent needs of those injured in the accident.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to urgently remove the Coptic roundabout in Mamboleo, citing its history of frequent accidents. According to the governor, the redesign or removal of the roundabout could go a long way in reducing the high number of crashes recorded in the area.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have described the tragedy as a deeply painful and life-altering experience. Many say they are struggling to cope with the emotional trauma, especially given the sudden and devastating nature of the accident.
“This is one of the darkest moments for our family. We have lost a loved one in a way we never imagined,” one grieving relative told reporters.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the accident. They have also reiterated the importance of road safety, urging motorists to exercise caution, particularly in known black spots.
The Mamboleo crash has once again highlighted the urgent need for infrastructural and safety interventions on Kenyan roads to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies in the future.
