National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for a review of the Traffic Act to introduce tougher penalties for reckless driving.

He said the current law is too lenient on motorists responsible for fatal accidents.

Speaking during the emotional interdenominational funeral service for 16 victims of the Malaha road accident along the Webuye–Kitale Road, Wetang’ula said legislative changes were necessary to curb the growing cases of road carnage.

The service was held at Masinde Muliro University Webuye Campus on March 16, 2026.

The Speaker said he had already engaged National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to fast-track amendments to the law.

“Every life lost on our roads is a painful reminder that we must act decisively to protect Kenyans and spare families the heartbreak of losing their loved ones,” Wetang’ula said.

Wetang’ula described the tragedy as deeply painful.

He noted that some of the injured included three expectant women who had been rushed to Webuye Sub‑County Hospital following the crash.

One of the women lost her unborn child while her husband later died while receiving treatment.

Among the most emotional testimonies was that of Ezekiel Kinusu, who lost six members of his family in the crash, including his mother Alice Kadogo Kinusu.

“I had spent a joyful day with my mother on that day,” he said while clutching her portrait.

“Later in the evening, villagers rushed to the highway after hearing that a boda boda rider had been involved in an accident. Shortly afterwards, news spread that a trailer had crashed into people who had gathered at the scene. When we rushed there, we found that my mother and five other members of our extended family had died,”

Leaders who attended the funeral also called for improved facilities at Webuye Sub‑County Hospital.

They noted that its location along the busy Eldoret–Malaba Road makes it a critical emergency facility for accident victims.

Led by Senate Chief Whip David Wakoli, the leaders urged the Bungoma County government and Members of the County Assembly to prioritise funding to upgrade the Level Four hospital.

“I call upon MCAs to ensure that funds for equipping the hospital are included in the county budget so that the facility can be transformed into a centre capable of handling emergencies and other critical cases,” Wakoli said.

Others who supported the call included Kanduyi MP David Makali, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and Tongaren MP John Chikati.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the county government had already finalized plans to install CT scan and MRI machines at the hospital and expand its emergency wing to better handle accident cases.

“The hospital is a key facility in the county and we have put measures in place to ensure it is adequately equipped to deal with the pressure arising from referrals of accident victims,” Lusaka said.

He also commended the hospital’s medical staff led by Medical Superintendent Dr. David Wanikina for their efforts in attending to victims of the accident.