Former Parliament Head of Security Maj. (Rtd) Solomon Obange and Maseno University lecturer Dr Dick Obange are mourning the loss of 25 relatives in a devastating road accident at Coptic Roundabout, Kisumu, on Friday evening.
The victims were among 61 family members returning from a burial in Nyahera, Kisumu West, and heading to Nyakach when tragedy struck.
Witnesses reported that the bus lost control while navigating the busy roundabout, smashing into roadside structures before overturning in a crash that left the region in shock.
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo sent heartfelt condolences, pledging government support to the grieving family.
“No words are sufficient to express our sorrow as we mourn with the larger Obange family,” PS Omollo wrote on Facebook, assuring assistance in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and JOOTRH.
Maj. (Rtd) Obange served at Parliament between 2012 and 2014, while Dr Obange is a respected academic, making the loss resonate deeply in national and educational circles.
According to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), an initial report placed the death toll at 21, with 21 injured.
An update later confirmed the fatalities had risen to 25, with others still receiving treatment for varying injuries.
The Kenya Red Cross said it worked with county emergency teams and the National Police Service to evacuate 33 injured passengers to JOOTRH for urgent medical attention.
Scenes at the hospital were marked by grief, as relatives gathered to identify bodies and comfort survivors. Some recounted the terrifying moments before the crash, describing sudden swerves and loud screams.
Local leaders have called for an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident, pointing to Coptic Roundabout’s reputation as a high-risk black spot.
Road safety advocates are urging stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better driver training to prevent such large-scale tragedies.
As the Obange family begins the painful process of arranging multiple burials, messages of condolence continue to pour in from across Kenya, reflecting a nation united in grief over an unimaginable loss.
By Kenyans