Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral hospital receives the injured from an accident at the Coptic Roundabout on Friday, August 8, 2025. /FAITH MATETEHoma Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has sent a message of condolence to the families affected by Friday’s Kisumu bus tragedy, as the death toll rose to 26 by Saturday morning.
In a statement, Wanga said the accident, which occurred at Coptic Roundabout, claimed the lives of twelve men, ten women, and one child, with several others critically injured, three of whom succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
The victims were part of a group of mourners travelling in a school bus that never reached its destination.
“This is not just an accident. It is a rupture in the fabric of our neighbouring Kisumu community. To those in critical condition and fighting for their lives, we pray for full and quick recovery,” Wanga said.
The governor expressed solidarity with Kisumu Governor Professor Peter Anyang Nyong’o, noting that grief knows no borders.
“While this tragedy did not occur in Homa Bay, grief knows no borders, and we are united in sorrow,” she added.
Wanga commended Kisumu County’s swift action in launching emergency audits on long-distance buses, deploying counselling teams, and reinforcing road safety measures.
She pledged Homa Bay’s readiness to offer any necessary support to Kisumu during the mourning period.
Her remarks came as the national government moved to step up medical care for the 26 survivors of the crash.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga said other health facilities in Kisumu city had been mobilised to complement the efforts of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
“We have put measures in place to ensure all the survivors are operated on within the day. This will help reduce complications and improve recovery outcomes,” Olunga said.
To the bereaved families, Wanga assured that their pain would not be forgotten once the news cycle moved on.
“When the cameras leave and the headlines fade, know that our collective heart remains with you. No words can mend this loss, but we vow to honour the departed through stronger safety measures and unwavering community solidarity,” she said.
Oluga said a blood drive would be activated at Leresian Park within JOOTRH starting from 9 am Saturday for victims still fighting for their lives in hospital.
Speaking to the press at JOOTRH late Friday night, Oluga said 21 victims perished on the spot.
