Residents of Kisumu County on Saturday morning woke up to find the Coptic roundabout flattened, less than a week after a tragic road accident at the site claimed 26 lives and left another 26 passengers injured. What greeted locals was not the familiar junction but a heap of soil and debris, an indication that the demolition had been done overnight. By mid-morning, heavy machinery was clearing the rubble as traffic officers directed vehicles along the busy Kisumu–Kakamega highway.
The sudden move has left many puzzled, as no official statement has been issued on who ordered the demolition or what will replace the roundabout. The action follows mounting public pressure after the grisly accident, with residents and leaders alike demanding urgent intervention to make the stretch safer. Many described the section as a notorious black spot that has claimed countless lives over the years.
Local leaders have strongly criticized the design of the junction and surrounding road network. They argue that the roundabouts, including those near the Specialist Hospital and Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, are poorly constructed and outdated. Calls have been made for their complete replacement with modern road designs that prioritize safety and smooth traffic flow. It was further noted that in developed countries, similar structures have already been phased out in favor of safer alternatives.
County leadership stressed that the solution should go beyond removing one roundabout. The redesign, they said, must consider the entire highway system to address underlying risks and ensure long-term safety for motorists and pedestrians. Without a comprehensive overhaul, they warned, more lives could be lost on the road.
The demolition of the Coptic roundabout has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some welcomed the swift action, seeing it as a first step towards lasting reforms, others expressed concern over the lack of transparency. With no clear communication from authorities, questions linger about what immediate measures will be put in place to manage traffic safely at the busy junction.
The tragic accident and subsequent demolition have reignited debate on road safety and infrastructure planning in Kisumu. Many believe that a lasting solution will require collaboration between the county and national government, alongside proper consultation with road engineers and safety experts. Until then, the community remains anxious, hoping that the painful loss of lives will mark the beginning of a safer era on one of the region’s busiest highways.
