Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has pledged support for victims of last night’s fatal accident at Ekerenyo, along the Kisii-Kericho road that took eight lives.
Nyaribo who visited victims at the Nyamira County Referral Hospital on Sunday morning announced that he had appointed a committee to look into the immediate needs of the victims and families of those who died.
“My Administration is setting up a committee that will identify the specific needs of the affected families to enable us to offer them targeted support,” the governor said while adding that those who were injured have been stabilised.
Nyaribo was in the company CECM for Health, Dr Donald Mogoi, Director Medical Services, Dr Jared Oeba, Nyamaiya MCA Elect- Chris Osiemo, among other officials.
“The fatal road accident at Ria Arani, between Ekerenyo and Ikonge towns, on Saturday night, threw families, friends and relatives and our county into mourning. As we enter into festivities, we call on road users to exercise caution to avoid loss of lives,” Nyaribo said.
The committee is expected to offset the postmortem costs for the deceased and also support burial expenses, as well as recommend that the county meet the hospital bills of the injured. Most of the fatalities are said to be members of the same family.
They were travelling from Nairobi to Kenyenya village, in West Mugirango, to attend the burial of a relative who died early.
The accident happened last night around 9 pm when a PSV and trailer crashed head-on, killing eight people instantly, while seven others were injured. The vehicle had 14 passengers and the driver.
The PSV driver died on the spot while the truck driver escaped from the scene, according to the police.
Only passengers occupying the back seat of the matatu survived, according to area police.
Soon after the incident, the Nyamira County boss sent a statement saying his officers were enroute to offer ambulance support and evacuation to the victims.
"I have learnt with deep shock of the tragic road accident at Ri'Arani, Ekerenyo Ward- along Kisii Chemosit Road, which has tonight claimed lives and left others with injuries. Our teams at the Nyamira County Referral Hospital are working around the clock to save those who were injured. My utmost condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones," Nyaribo said.
