Two people were killed after a truck on the campaign trail of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party candidate overturned in Baringo North on Saturday evening.
The ill-fated vehicle was carrying a total of 43 supporters of Josphat Akuro, who is vying for the Barwesa Ward seat. The candidate was on his last campaign trail at the time of the accident.
While confirming the incident, Baringo County Police Commander Adams Bungei told K24 Digital that the truck was heading to Barwesa and that it was picking locals from different stop points.
The accident occurred a few kilometres from Barwesa centre where the overloaded truck lost the centre bolt and dislocated, leaving the trailer behind. The trailer overturned and injured a number of campaigners onboard.
The police boss said one person died on the spot while another died on his way to the hospital.
The injured persons were rushed to different health facilities in Baringo and neighbouring counties for treatment.
“Preliminary reports have it that one person died on the spot while the other passed on while transiting to the hospital,” he said.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the driver and the owner of the truck still on the run.
Philip Kiprop, an eyewitness, said the overloaded vehicle was speeding and playing loud music moment at the time of the accident.
Lowan Location Chief Sammy Taiywa confirmed that the locals who were in the truck were from four locations including, Keturwa, Katibel, Muchukwo and Kapluk.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.