Three people have died following a road accident involving Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s security vehicle along Kisumu-Busia highway at Otonglo in Siaya County.
Others have been injured, with more than 19 people taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for emergency care.
The accident happened on the way back after attending a thanksgiving function for Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga in Rarieda.
Witnesses at the scene said the crash, involving the CS’s security vehicle and a PSV matatu, happened as the convoy was travelling to Kisumu International Airport. Two victims died on the spot, while another died from injuries on the way to hospital.
However, CS Duale, whose person was not hurt, immediately mobilised medical emergency services for the injured. In a statement, he committed to personally footing bills on treatment of injured persons, calling for proper treatment of whoever got involved in the incident.
We had a slight accident while heading to Kisumu Airport. All patients belong to me Let us see to it that they get well and fully recover,” he added.
The tragedy led to a lot of anxious feelings across the country, with Kenyans at large sending condolence messages to those mourning their loved ones and asking for improved road safety measures to be taken. Others noted dangerous overtaking by official convoys as a recurrent risk factor on crowded highways.
The police and emergency responders quickly and effectively cleared the wreckage and restored traffic movement in this essential transport route between Kisumu and Busia. Investigations have, therefore, been launched by relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident.
The Ministry of Health sent its condolences to the families of the dead and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
Photos circulating online show the extent of the damage and sends a warning to all to be careful when using the nation’s highways.