Kitui, Kenya — A tragic road accident early Friday morning on the Kitui-Kibwezi Road has claimed the lives of six school-going children, casting a dark cloud over the community. The hit-and-run incident occurred at Wiitu shopping center, with reports confirming that the driver responsible has been arrested and the vehicle impounded.
The devastating news was met with sorrow and outrage, with President of the Matatu Owners Association, Albert Karakacha, joining other leaders in mourning the young lives lost. In a statement, Karakacha described the accident as “regrettable and unfortunate,” calling on drivers across the country to exercise greater caution and adhere to traffic rules, particularly regarding overspeeding—a leading cause of road accidents in Kenya.
“We must ensure such tragedies are avoided in the future. Drivers need to prioritize safety, and matatu sacco management must take charge to prevent more lives from being lost on our roads,” Karakacha urged.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, noting the irreplaceable loss they have suffered. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the children who perished. May they find comfort in this difficult time,” he added.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased road safety measures, particularly in school zones and high-traffic areas.
As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the heartbreaking loss of its youngest members, with many calling for swift justice and greater accountability on the roads.