Bungoma, Kenya – March 16, 2026
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for stricter traffic laws and heightened public vigilance following a tragic accident at Malaha junction along the Webuye–Kitale road that has claimed 15 lives and left several others injured.
The accident, which occurred when a truck rammed into a group of people, has sent shockwaves through Bungoma County. Speaking at the scene on Tuesday, Wetang’ula condemned the reckless driving that led to the tragedy and urged Members of Parliament to review and strengthen existing road safety legislation to better protect road users.
“We stand here in unison and in unity as a people of this region, of this country and of this county to condemn in the strongest terms possible the recklessness of the driver of the lorry that killed people in this area,” Wetang’ula said. He also appealed to the public to report reckless drivers, stating that adherence to traffic laws is a shared responsibility.
The Speaker, accompanied by a delegation of government officials including Ndia MP George Kariuki, Chair of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure; Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, Chair of the Administration and Internal Security Committee; and Webuye West MP Martin Pepela, visited the injured at Webuye County Referral Hospital and consoled the victims’ families.
Government support has been pledged for both the injured and the families of the deceased. Wetang’ula announced that the medical bills for the ten injured patients would be covered, while the burials of the 15 victims would also be funded by the government. Two patients requiring specialized care have been transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, with ambulances provided to ensure proper treatment.
Among the victims is an elderly man who lost six family members in the crash, highlighting the devastating human toll of the tragedy.
Wetang’ula also revealed that a fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, to support the bereaved families, followed by a joint requiem Mass on Monday, March 16, in Bungoma town.
A funeral committee has been formed to coordinate the burials, led by Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi Pepela and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, alongside Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Chemtai Mbatiany and Members of the County Assembly.
The Speaker reiterated his support for road safety initiatives led by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), emphasizing that unroadworthy vehicles and reckless drivers must be removed from the roads.
“If you do not deserve to be on the road, you don’t deserve to be there. If you are on the road and you don’t adhere to the laws of the land, you deserve to be punished instantly. Your right to be on the road is equal to the right of others to be on the road,” Wetang’ula said.
Residents at the scene expressed grief and frustration, calling for urgent interventions to prevent similar accidents in the future. Isaac, a resident who lost his wife in the crash, said:
“I lost my wife on the spot. My other brother had stomach injuries. We are seeking support from well-wishers and hope that the government will redesign the road.”
The Webuye County Referral Hospital has conducted postmortems on six victims, with seven more awaiting examination. Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. David Wanikina, confirmed that two male patients will require specialized treatment. He also stated that the hospital, in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, is providing psychosocial support to families affected by the tragedy.
Speaker Wetang’ula concluded by urging Members of Parliament and the public to act decisively to make roads safer.
“Enough is enough, we must make our roads safe,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need for legal reforms, stricter enforcement, and public vigilance to prevent future tragedies.
