Thousands mourn 22 victims of Kisumu-Kakamega road accident at Naki Primary School
Thousands of mourners, including political leaders, gathered at Naki Primary School for the funeral service of 22 victims of the Kisumu-Kakamega road accident, with leaders calling for urgent road safety measures.
Twenty-two victims of last week’s Kisumu-Kakamega road accident were laid to rest in an emotional interdenominational funeral service held at Naki Primary School. Grieving families, friends, community members, and political leaders gathered to honor the lives lost and to call for urgent action to address the road’s safety hazards.
The somber atmosphere was mirrored by the weather, as mourners prepared to say their final goodbyes. Throughout the service, speakers raised alarms over the perilous stretch of road where the deadly crash occurred.
Earlier that morning, unknown individuals had dug up parts of the Coptic roundabout, temporarily blocking access on both sides—a move some interpreted as an act of protest or frustration.
“That roundabout has killed very many people. When I was coming here, I was proud to see it had been taken away. Whoever did it, I don’t know,” said Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabir.
“On the Kakamega-Kisumu road, I am happy to see some work has started. I don’t know whether it is by KeNHA or some cowboy contractor," he added.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while consoling the families, urged the government to swiftly redesign the hazardous section of the road. He shared that he had once narrowly escaped a similar fate on that same route.
Raila also used the moment to highlight broader national issues, particularly corruption.
“We need to slay this animal called corruption, in the judiciary, legislature, executive, the media, and the private sector,” he said.
Leaders at the event pledged continued support for the affected families, especially children left behind. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o announced that KSh 7 million—contributed by President William Ruto, Raila Odinga, and the county government—will be distributed transparently to assist the bereaved families and help support orphans and school-going children.