Gachagua Urges Road Safety Authorities to Act After Mtito Andei Crash Kills 22

NAIROBI, Kenya - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged road safety authorities to take action following a deadly crash that killed 22 people near Mtito Andei, according to a statement on X. Gachagua expressed deep sorrow for the country's loss and emphasized that no one deserves such a tragedy. He called for strengthened measures from road safety agencies to protect motorists and passengers, especially as the festive season approaches and more people travel home for the holidays.

The accident occurred on Sunday morning at Kanga, near Mtito Andei, on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, where a public service vehicle and a commercial vehicle collided head-on. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suggested that improper overtaking may have played a role in the crash. NTSA confirmed that its investigation team was cooperating with the police to determine the full details of the incident.

The crash has reignited concerns about road safety on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, a crucial transport route for buses, trucks, and private vehicles. Gachagua's plea comes as drivers and road users gear up for higher traffic volumes during the festive season, when increased travel often leads to more accidents. He emphasized the need for drivers to exercise caution, particularly in wet conditions, which can compromise visibility, braking distance, and vehicle control.

The former Deputy President also urged authorities to enforce safety regulations to prevent unnecessary deaths. Ongoing investigations into the Mtito Andei crash are underway as families grieve the loss of 22 people.