22 victims killed in Kisumu bus accident buried as leaders pledge support for families

Families of the deceased gathered for an interdenominational funeral service at Naki Primary School, where leaders called for a redesign of the dangerous section of road.

The weather mirrored the sombre occasion as families prepared to bid farewell to their loved ones who perished in the tragic accident.

Inside the tent, grief was heavy and undeniable. Identical coffins bore the remains of lives tragically cut short, dreams unrealized and potential unfulfilled.

One mourner said, “Sisi tumepoteza wachungaji wawili. Ni siku ya huzuni sana.”

The service brought together families, friends, community members, and political leaders. While paying their last respects, speakers raised concerns about the road where the tragedy occurred.

Earlier in the morning, parts of the Coptic roundabout had been dug up by unknown people, blocking access on both sides.

“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," Shakeel Shabir, MP Kisumu East remarked. 

“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. 

While condoling with the bereaved, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged the government to move with speed to redesign that section of the road, revealing that he too had once had a near brush with death there.

Beyond road safety, Raila called for a firm stand against corruption, saying, “We need to slay this animal called corruption, in the judiciary, legislature, executive, the media, and the private sector.”

Leaders also pledged support for orphans and school-going children left behind. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o announced that seven million shillings, contributed by President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and the county government, will be distributed transparently to assist the affected families.