17 injured in road accidents as drivers warned over speeding

Seventeen passengers were injured in two separate accidents on Sunday.

In Nakuru, a bride price ceremony almost turned tragic on Sunday after eight passengers sustained injuries when their vehicle veered off the road and went up a slope.

The family, from Solai in Nakuru, were from the ceremony at Kabartonjo in Baringo North and had hired the 14-seater Nissan van and were on their way back home during 7pm incident.

The accident happened at Petkawanin area along the Kabarnet-Marigat Road. The family were rescued by area residents and rushed to Kabarnet District Hospital where they are recovering.

Speaking to journalists from his hospital bed, the driver of the vehicle, Mr Kamande Gathiga said that he was lucky to be alive.

“I was negotiating a sharp corner when I lost control of the vehicle. We thank God there were no deaths,” said Mr Githaiga.

Another victim, Mr Peter Kiraithe, said he jumped out of the window he immediately noticed the vehicle was losing control.

“I cannot comprehend what actually happened later as I lost consciousness. It is only now that I find myself in hospital bed. I have chest pains but I’m better now,” said Mr Kiraithe.

In Murang’a, nine passengers sustained serious injuries in a grisly road accident involving a matatu and a pick-up ferrying miraa at Kambiti area in Sagana along Makutano-Nairobi highway.

According to the Regional Traffic boss Job Magutu, the 8pm incident occurred after the loaded miraa pick-up tried to overtake and collided with the 12-seater matatu.

“Eight passengers including the matatu driver sustained injuries and were rushed to Thika Level Five Hospital where they are receiving treatment and some due for discharge,” said Mr Magutu.

The pick-up driver, Mr Magutu said, escaped unhurt.

However, he added that the driver will be taken to court after the Easter holiday.