Barchok urges adherence to road safety measures following Bomet crash that killed 15
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has called on road users to strictly adhere to safety measures following a devastating road accident that resulted in the loss of 15 lives on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Daraja Sita, Barchok expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragic accident and emphasized the importance of responsible road use.
The county boss urged all road users to be more disciplined in their driving and observe traffic rules, noting that a large percentage of road accidents are caused by indiscipline on the roads. He also pointed out that road infrastructure plays a significant role in ensuring safety, stressing the need for government intervention to improve the roads in the region.
“We express our condolences to the families who were affected by the accident in which we lost fifteen people. Over 90 per cent of road accidents are caused by indisciplined drivers and road users. Do not drink and drive. Don’t overspeed or overload,” he advised.
“We also have a responsibility as a government; we have very narrow roads, and we need to widen them and install bumps to slow down drivers.”
The accident took place on the Kaplong-Kericho highway at Cheptangulgei in Bomet County at around 2:50 pm, when a lorry, a Nissan, and a private vehicle collided. The crash left 13 people dead and several others injured. They were rushed to hospitals in Bomet and Kericho counties. Two more people succumbed to injuries earlier on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
According to Bomet Traffic Commandant Amos Namasaka, the crash involved a private car, a 14-seater matatu, and a lorry. Initial reports suggest the crash was a head-on collision between the matatu and the lorry.
The National Police Service confirmed that investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, with the focus on determining the exact circumstances leading to the deadly collision.
“Deeply saddened to learn of a grisly road accident that has occurred on the Sotik-Kericho Highway at Cheptangulgei, Sotik Sub-County. The three-car accident has led to fatalities and serious injuries. We wish the injured a quick recovery and send our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who’ve lost their loved ones,” Barchok said on Saturday, April 6, 2025.
This fatal accident in Bomet comes just a day after another crash in Mombasa, which left 14 people injured. The Mombasa accident occurred on Friday evening, involving a collision between a Tahmeed bus and a public service vehicle at Kibarani. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Coast General and Referral Hospital.
