Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o has called on the police to immediately launch investigations into the accident that claimed four lives leaving 19 others with various injuries.
Nyong'o called on the authority to establish the cause and take appropriate action against individuals whose mistakes may have led to the crash.
The accident that happened on Wednesday morning involved a matatu that was ferrying students from Ober Boys Boarding School in Homa Bay County.
The matatu, which was en route to Kisumu, collided with a sugarcane truck at Kibwon in Nyakach Subcounty.
The crash resulted in the death of three students, while 19 others sustained various injuries.
Tragically, the conductor of the matatu also lost his life in the incident. The accident occurred just a few kilometers from Sondu Township.
The students, who were traveling home for the upcoming April holidays, were in the matatu when the collision occurred.
In a statement, Nyong’o, conveyed his deepest condolences to the families, teachers, and fellow students at Ober Boys Boarding School.
“On behalf of the people of Kisumu County, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the teachers, pupils, and parents of Ober Boys Boarding School for this great loss. These young souls, who were simply traveling home for the holidays, have been taken from us in a tragic accident that could have been avoided,” the Governor said.
The Governor also expressed concern over the preventable nature of the accident, noting that both drivers could have avoided the collision if they had adhered to proper safety measures and professional driving standards.
“My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. I also wish a swift recovery to the survivors who are currently hospitalised,” Governor Nyong’o added.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many calling for improved road safety and more stringent enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
