Bomet: Deadly Kericho-Kaplong Road Crash That Killed 15 Linked to Speeding, Police Report
Bomet County is mourning the loss of 15 lives following a horrific accident along the Kericho-Kaplong Road. The crash happened around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, near Cheptakulge area, close to Daraja Sita.
Three Vehicles, One Catastrophe
According to police, the collision involved a matatu, a private Mazda, and a lorry. The aftermath was devastating.
Graphic images and videos from the scene showed a trail of destruction. The matatu was mangled beyond recognition—its windscreen shattered, seats tossed out, and tyres blown.
The private Mazda was reduced to twisted metal. The lorry lay tilted across the road, its front cabin crushed.
What Caused the Crash?
Bomet Traffic Commandant Amos Namasaka said early investigations point to the private car. It was reportedly coming from a celebration.
“The small car had people who were coming from a celebration and they were making a lot of noise. They were not very careful on the road. We suspect that the cause of the accident was that small vehicle,” he stated.
He added that loud music, reckless overtaking, and possibly alcohol contributed to the accident. A beer bottle found inside the saloon car raised further concerns about drunk driving.
Emergency Response Saves Lives
Rescue teams arrived swiftly. Six of the injured were taken to St. Clare’s Kaplong Mission Hospital, five to Tenwek Hospital, and three to Litein AIC Hospital.
Bodies of the deceased were moved to Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital for further procedures.
Leaders and Locals React
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok released a heartfelt message:
“Deeply saddened to learn of a grisly road accident on the Sotik-Kericho Highway at Cheptangulgei, Sotik sub-county… Rescue teams from Kaplong Mission Hospital, the County Governments of Bomet and Kericho, the Kenya Red Cross, and the Kenya Police have evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. We wish the injured a quick recovery and send our sincere condolences to the families of those who’ve lost their loved ones.”
Meanwhile, locals are demanding immediate action. They want tighter traffic laws, random alcohol checks, and speed limit enforcement, especially in known blackspot areas like this one.
A Call to Responsibility
This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the deadly consequences of careless driving. As investigations continue, families begin to bury their loved ones—lives lost too soon.
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Bomet: Deadly Kericho-Kaplong Road Crash That Killed 15 Linked to Speeding, Police Report
