One person died on the spot while twelve others were seriously injured on Tuesday morning following a grisly road accident at Kondigo area along the Kisumu–Bondo Road.
The 10 a.m. crash involved an Isuzu FRR lorry, registration number KDM 231S, driven by Brian Ajega, 28 and a Toyota matatu, registration number KDB 257G, operated by Oketch Agugi, 32, of Eton Sacco Shuttle.
According to police reports, the lorry was heading towards Kisumu from the Bondo direction when the driver reportedly lost control while descending a slope.
In a desperate attempt to avoid hitting a stray cow that suddenly crossed the road from a feeder path, the matatu driver swerved into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision.
The impact was devastating.
One passenger, identified as Eunice Achieng Adoyo, 38, sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot.
Twelve other passengers in the matatu sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures and deep cuts.
Several other victims whose identities were yet to be established were rushed to various nearby hospitals.
Police said the injured were first taken to Kombewa Sub-County Hospital, where they received emergency treatment before being referred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for specialized care.
The body of the deceased was moved to the Kombewa Hospital morgue awaiting postmortem examination.
Both vehicles were extensively damaged, with their front sections crushed and windscreens shattered. They were towed to the nearest police station yard pending mechanical inspection.
Authorities have urged motorists plying the Kisumu–Bondo route to exercise caution, especially along the sloping Kondigo stretch, which has recorded several incidents in recent months.
Police have launched investigations into the accident.
