{
  "id": 12304005,
  "title": "Charles Owino: We are likely to see more road deaths if Kenyans don’t take responsibility",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/charles-owino-we-are-likely-to-see-more-road-deaths-if-kenyans-dont",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:53:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/charles-owino-we-are-likely-to-see-more-road-deaths-if-kenyans-dont-take-responsibility"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Government spokesperson Charles Owino warned that road fatalities in Kenya could escalate further unless citizens take personal responsibility for their actions. In an interview on October 6, 2026, Owino attributed the surge in road deaths to a lack of discipline among Kenyans, particularly within the boda boda sector, whom he described as one of the \"rogue industries\" on the roads.\n\nOwino cautioned that merely placing blame on the government or existing systems would not solve the problem if road users continued to disregard traffic rules and cooperate with enforcement agencies. He emphasized that a holistic approach involving all members of society is crucial for managing road safety effectively.\n\nThe spokesperson singled out boda boda operators, who have been accused of using the wrong side of roads, pedestrian walkways, and ignoring traffic regulations. He also noted that some riders have been observed confronting motorists after crashes, even going as far as burning vehicles.\n\nOwino's comments come in the wake of the Salama road crash on October 3, 2026, which claimed the lives of 17 Catholic pilgrims traveling from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani to the National Shrine in Subukia. The National Transport and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the collision, which occurred on the Mlima Kiu-Salama section, an area previously flagged for its poor road safety record.\n\nWhile acknowledging the government's role in road safety enforcement, Owino stressed the importance of behavioral change among road users to reduce fatalities on Kenyan roads. He stressed that if individuals do not assume responsibility for their actions and cooperate with authorities, road deaths are likely to continue rising.",
  "summary": "Government spokesperson Charles Owino blamed Kenyans’ indiscipline for the spiking deaths on the roads. Charles, for instance, told a local TV station on Monday, October 6, 2026, that the boda boda sector is one of the rogue industries on roads. He went ahead to predict that the number of fatalities on roads will go up […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Government spokesperson Charles Owino warns of escalating road deaths in Kenya.",
    "Lack of discipline among Kenyans, especially boda boda operators, cited as key factor.",
    "Salama road crash on October 3, 2026 kills 17 Catholic pilgrims, prompting investigation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}