Death Toll Rises to 15 as Government Vows Crackdown on Road Offenders

By Kibet Mutai

Sotik, Kenya - The death toll from Saturday’s horrific road accident in Sotik has climbed to 15, following the deaths of two more victims who succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at Tenwek Hospital. The tragic news was confirmed on Sunday morning by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, who expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged swift government action to prevent similar occurrences.

According to Chirchir, the number of injured currently stands at 11, with the victims receiving treatment in various health facilities across Bomet County. He revealed that preliminary investigations had uncovered troubling details: both vehicles involved in the crash were carrying excess passengers, a factor believed to have significantly worsened the impact of the accident.

“It is unfortunate that this tragedy was made worse by the blatant disregard for traffic rules,” said Chirchir. “The overloading of vehicles continues to cost us precious lives, and it is high time we enforce our laws with the seriousness they deserve.”

The Cabinet Secretary visited the scene of the accident and later checked in on victims receiving care at Kaplong Mission Hospital. Accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking officials including National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Chairman Katib Mwashetani, CEO George Njau, Bomet Governor Professor Hillary Barchok, and Sotik MP Francis Sigei, Chirchir used the visit to underscore the government’s renewed commitment to road safety.

As part of the government’s response to the accident, Chirchir announced the reintroduction of breathalyzers, popularly known as alcoblows, to curb the rising cases of drink-driving across the country. “Drivers must understand that reckless behavior behind the wheel will no longer be tolerated,” he stated. “We will ensure that those who flout traffic rules face the full force of the law.”

NTSA CEO George Njau echoed Chirchir’s sentiments, noting that road safety begins with personal responsibility. “Public service vehicle operators, private drivers, and even passengers must all play their part,” said Njau. “Lives are being lost unnecessarily due to avoidable mistakes and non-compliance.”

Governor Hillary Barchok, visibly shaken by the loss of lives in his county, called on the national government to take a closer look at the condition of the road where the accident occurred. He described the area as a notorious blackspot that had seen repeated incidents over the years.

“I am urging the Ministry of Roads to prioritize the expansion and improvement of this particular stretch,” Barchok said. “We cannot keep losing lives here. Infrastructure development and road safety must go hand in hand.”

Sotik MP Francis Sigei also expressed his condolences to the families affected, urging residents to be more vigilant and responsible when using the roads. “These are not just statistics—each life lost is a family shattered, a community in mourning,” he said.

Local residents who gathered at the accident site voiced frustration at the government’s slow response to long-standing calls for better road conditions and stricter enforcement of traffic rules. “We’ve been complaining for years,” said one resident. “Every time there’s a tragedy, leaders come and make promises, but nothing changes.”

As investigations continue into the root cause of the accident, authorities are expected to conduct a full audit of the involved vehicles and review whether the operators had valid licenses and met all regulatory standards.

The accident has reignited national debate on road safety and the role of enforcement agencies, with many Kenyans taking to social media to demand more proactive measures from the government. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased prepare to bury their loved ones, united in grief and in hope that their loss will not be in vain.