Aden Duale mourns victims of Kisumu–Kakamega Road crash, commends health workers for swift response
By Ascah Mwango, August 9, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has sent a heartfelt message of condolence to the victims and families affected by the tragic Kisumu–Kakamega Road accident that has so far claimed 25 lives.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Duale described the accident as a deep national tragedy.
“The grisly accident along the Kisumu–Kakamega Road has left a deep wound in our hearts. Lives have been abruptly cut short and families torn apart in a moment of tragedy. To those who are mourning, we convey our heartfelt condolences and assure you of our solidarity during this painful time,” Duale stated.
The CS praised health workers for their quick and professional response, singling out the emergency team from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for saving lives.
“We commend the remarkable courage and professionalism of our health workers, particularly the emergency response team from JOOTRH, whose swift action in rescuing and attending to the injured has saved lives. Your dedication in moments of crisis is the true embodiment of service to humanity,” he said.
He further assured that the Ministry of Health would do everything possible to help the survivors.
“The Ministry of Health remains unwavering in its commitment to do everything humanly possible to preserve the lives of those injured, deploying every resource, every skill and every heartbeat of compassion to ensure they have the best chance of recovery. United, we can offer comfort, solidarity and hope in the face of this profound sorrow,” he added.
25 deaths
The latest update on the tragedy was given by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, who confirmed that the death toll had risen to 25. He announced an urgent blood donation drive at JOOTRH to aid the survivors.
“Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has announced an urgent blood drive at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to aid survivors of a road accident that killed 25 people along the Kisumu–Kakamega road,” a statement from the Ministry of Health read.
Dr Oluga said 32 survivors were currently receiving treatment at JOOTRH’s Orthopaedic Trauma Ward.
According to hospital records, the crash involved a school bus carrying members of the Sigoti Clan from Nyakach. The group was returning home after attending a burial in Nyahera, Kisumu West sub-county, when tragedy struck near the Coptic roundabout.
Initially, JOOTRH reported 21 fatalities, with 19 bodies brought directly from the scene and two more victims, including a male child, succumbing to injuries shortly after arrival. The bus had been carrying 61 family members when it overturned, marking one of the deadliest accidents along the Kisumu–Kakamega route in recent years.