Londiani accident is a wake up call for state– Makau Mutua

Azimio Spokesperson Makau Mutua has weighed in on the Londiani accident that claimed 52 lives and left several other hospitalised.

Mutua in a statement said it is time for the country to rethink on the menace of illegal hawkers occupying roads and road reserves.

He also called for proper planning to avoid such in future.

He gave an example of city roads in Westlands, which have been taken over by hawkers, saying that such scenarios are an avenue for littering, and giving muggers a field day.

This he insisted renders such roads impassable.

“Illegal kiosks and hawkers on our roads/road reserves.  Litter, garbage, debris.  Collection points for muggers, unruly boda boda, Uber drivers.  Roads are impassable.  This is Church Road/Raphta Road.  Londiani is a wake up call,” he said.

“We need proper planning and rational infrastructure, not chaos and mayhem.  Traffic rules must be enforced.  Without law and order we have no country,” he added.

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai on Saturday confirmed that 52 people had died following the grisly accident that occurred at Londiani Junction on Friday at around 6:30pm.

In a statement on Saturday, Mutai said the 52 comprised 31 males, 18 females and 2 children

President William Ruto on Saturday led Kenyans in mourning lives that were lost in the tragic road accident in Londiani.

The President said it was worrying that some of those who had died in the accident are promising young people.

Ruto called on motorists to drive carefully during this rainy season as he wished to who sustained injuries quick recoveries.

"The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani, Kericho County," Ruto said.

"It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores," he added.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday said that a multi-agency team will investigate the accident.