Driver Flees After Killing 2 Pedestrians In Kikopey Accident

Two pedestrians were among five people killed at Kikopey, Gilgil, Nakuru County, on Sunday night, December 4 after a truck driver lost control and rammed into individuals at a local entertainment joint.

The National Police Service (NPS) revealed in a statement that the accident that occurred along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway saw the trailer, whose registration details were not fully visible, lose control on its way to Nakuru.

"Preliminary reports suggest that the driver who was heading towards Nakuru direction lost control and hit two male adult pedestrians killing them on the spot," stated NPS in part.

The aftermath of an accident in Kikopey on December 3, 2023. /NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE

The same vehicle was revealed to have rammed onto iron sheet structures a few metres from the road killing three male adult persons who were inside playing a pool table game. 

The same trailer caused massive damage to property, including three motor vehicles that were at a yard; a Land Rover, Peugeot 405 and Isuzu Tropper. 

"Efforts to arrest the driver of the ill-fated vehicle are underway after he escaped the scene of the accident," added NPS.

Six other people who were seriously injured owing to the impact of the accident were rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment.

Residents at the scene later rushed inside the building to help salvage some of the goods and property. 

Gilgil sub-county commander Francis Tumbo confirmed the accident, urging locals to exercise caution while walking on highways or revelling at joints near the roads. 

Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari confirmed the accident, which sees Kikopey join Londiani among areas that have witnessed more than 55 people die in road accidents, including one at the latter which saw a trailer run over a matatu and traders along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

"What has happened at Kikopey is heart-wrenching. They were all enjoying a beautiful Sunday evening not knowing a dark cloud was about to engulf their space. I am deeply saddened and pray for the families involved," she added.

Statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) indicated that 3,609 people lost their lives in road accidents during the period covering January to October 2023. This, however, is a drop in the number of fatalities in the same period last year, which stood at 3,936.

Sunday had the highest fatalities in October 2023 with 63 deaths. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday contributed to the highest number of fatalities at 50 per cent.

Some of the reasons attributed to the startling numbers are high travel numbers over the weekends which increases risk exposure, speeding especially along major highways, and reduced enforcement.