Tragedy struck in Makueni County on Saturday night when four people lost their lives in a road accident along the Kibwezi–Kitui road. The crash, which occurred at around 11 p.m., also left one passenger in critical condition.
According to Kibwezi Base Commander Morris Situma, the incident happened when the driver of a private vehicle lost control, causing the car to roll several times. Preliminary investigations suggest that speeding may have been a major factor.
“From the look of things, the vehicle was moving at a high speed before the driver lost control. Three victims died on the spot, while two others were rushed to Kibwezi AMREF Hospital for treatment,” Situma said.
Sadly, one of the injured victims succumbed to injuries at the hospital, bringing the total fatalities to four. The sole survivor is receiving treatment for serious injuries and remains under close medical observation.
Authorities revealed that the five occupants of the car were returning from a dowry ceremony ahead of a wedding scheduled for next Saturday. The accident has plunged the families involved into mourning, turning what was supposed to be a period of celebration into a time of grief.
Among the deceased was a 10-year-old child, whose death has further deepened the tragedy’s emotional impact on the local community.
Police have launched investigations to establish the full circumstances of the crash. While early reports point to speeding as a probable cause, road conditions and mechanical issues will also be examined.
Commander Situma has urged motorists to observe speed limits and exercise caution, especially during night travel. “We continue to lose lives because of reckless driving. We appeal to all drivers to slow down and prioritize safety over haste,” he emphasized.
The bodies of the victims have been moved to a local mortuary, awaiting postmortem examinations. The incident adds to the growing list of road fatalities in the country, which the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) says are largely preventable through adherence to traffic rules and responsible driving.
As investigations continue, the bereaved families are now faced with the difficult task of planning funerals instead of the wedding celebrations they had anticipated.
