Residents of Mamboleo, Kisumu County, on Saturday morning found the Coptic roundabout demolished, barely a week after a grisly road accident at the spot claimed 26 lives from the Nyakach Koguta area. Another 26 passengers survived the crash.
Locals said they were unaware of when the roundabout was cleared, discovering only a heap of soil and debris at the site in the morning. Many suspect the work was carried out overnight.”
By mid-morning, officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) were on-site, clearing rubble with heavy machinery as traffic officers managed vehicles along the busy Kisumu–Kakamega highway.
The sudden move comes despite residents and leaders calling for an urgent review of the roundabout’s safety after the deadly accident.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said the redesign must consider not only the roundabouts but the entire highway structure.
Deputy Governor Mathews Owili described the section as a “death trap” and urged immediate intervention by the national government.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron warned that lives would continue to be lost unless authorities act, citing “countless” fatalities at the spot.
Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor condemned the roundabouts between the Coptic, Specialist Hospital, and Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, terming them poorly constructed. He insisted the designs are “outdated” and should be replaced, as is happening in developed countries. South East Nyakach MCA Lumumba Owada also called for swift action.
The demolition has left many residents puzzled, with questions lingering over who ordered the move. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the demolition or outline the next steps for redesigning the junction.
The Coptic roundabout in Kisumu being demolished/August 16, 2025/FAITH MATETE
The Coptic roundabout in Kisumu being demolished/August 16, 2025/FAITH MATETE
