BY ROBERT OMOLLO
@robertomollo3
The death toll of Monday's Homa Bay accident has risen to 10.
Eight people were killed on the spot near Got-Kokech trading centre along the Homa Bay – Kendu Bay road.
The number rose to 10 after a Form 3 boy and a woman succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The accident occurred after a Nissan matatu collided head-on with tanker ferrying fuel.
The matatu was travelling from Homa Bay towards Kendu Bay.
It is reported that the tanker was ferrying fuel from Kisumu to Isebania town in Migori county.
Two women, a primary school boy, a Form 3 boy and six men perished from the accident.
The Form 3 student Milkija Odoyo, was a student at Kobala Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo North subcounty.
His father Caleb Ramogi who identified him at the hospital mortuary said his son left for school at 3pm.
Ramogi said he learnt of the death of his son through news that an accident had occurred and a learner was involved.
He made some phone calls to inquire on the whereabouts of his son.
“I inquired from the management whether my son who was travelling to the school arrived safely. I came to Homa Bay hospital and found that my son is among those who died in the accident,” Ramogi said on Tuesday.
He said he had promised to send his son some money the following day after arriving in school.
“I told my son to go to school and I will send him the money he wanted via M-Pesa. I appeal to well-wishers to accord me financial support for burial expenses,” Ramogi said.
On Tuesday, Homa Bay police commander Samson Ole Kiine said preliminary investigations revealed the accident resulted from speeding when overtaking at a corner.
“We realised the matatu was trying to overtake another matatu before it collided with the oil tanker,” he said.
The Nissan matatu driver was overtaking at a bend. This made it difficult for him to notice the tanker.
Residents have been urged to help police in identifying the bodies.
Road users were also urged to observe traffic rules to avoid accidents.
The bodies were taken to the Homa Bay County Hospital mortuary.
The wrecked vehicles were towed to Homa Bay police station.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)