Police have revealed the causes of the recent multiple accidents along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
In a statement released on Saturday, August 24, 2024, the cops said a recent rise in road accidents along the road had led to a multi-sectoral meeting to determine the causes of the mishaps that have cost the lives of several passengers and drivers.
“The National Police Service has noted with utmost concern, the increase in f***l and serious road traffic accidents, particularly along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, since last month,” the statement read in part.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli observed that during their meeting with Kenya Matatu Council, they agreed to enforce traffic regulations to minimise the risks of accidents.
Cause of accidents
Masengeli noted that most traffic accidents were caused by human error and misbehaviour on the part of drivers.
“It is quite regrettable that most of these road c*****s have been associated with human misbehaviour particularly speeding, recklessness, driving under the influence of alcohol, and dangerous overtaking,” Masengeli stated.
He added that the traffic police will be stepping up its operations together with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to ensure compliance with the law.
“We all have a responsibility of ensuring that safety and order prevails on our roads at all times. I therefore urge all motorists to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations and rules,” Masengeli added.
Black spot
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, a passenger perished while 44 others were injured in a grisly road accident in Nakuru’s twin-bridge area.
While 30 of the victims were treated on the scene, 14 of them were rushed to hospitals in Nakuru for specialised treatment after a vehicle they were travelling in was involved in an accident.
“14 have been taken to Molo Sub County Hospital and 30 have been treated at the scene,” a Kenya Réd Cróss statement read in part.
This is after a bus belonging to Simba coach hit a stationary truck which in turn collided with another vehicle causing it to veer off the road and land into a ditch.
Kuresoi North Sub-County Police Commander, Judah Gathenge urged motorists plying the route to exercise caution after the accident.
This comes just days after another mishap happened in the Migaa area where a Coast Bus coach rammed into a vehicle with five occupants after it lost brakes.
14 individuals lost their lives in the accident while several others escaped with serious injuries.