At least 14 people killed, 16 injured in crash along Webuye–Kitale road

At least 14 people were killed and 16 others seriously injured following a horrific road accident at Malaha area along the Webuye–Kitale road on Monday night.

According to police, the crash occurred at around 9:45 p.m. on March 9, 2026 and involved motorcycles and a trailer. Most of the victims were pedestrians who had gathered at the scene of the accident.

Preliminary reports indicate that a motorcycle was travelling from Webuye towards Kitale when it collided head-on with another motorcycle coming from the opposite direction.

Both riders were reportedly not wearing helmets and died on the spot due to the impact.

As members of the public rushed to the scene to assist the victims, tragedy struck again when a Mercedes-Benz trailer, which was travelling from Kitale towards Webuye, lost control and rammed into the crowd.

Police say the trailer ran over several pedestrians at the accident scene, killing 10 people instantly and leaving many others critically injured.

The injured were rushed to Webuye Sub-County Hospital for treatment.

Hospital officials later confirmed that four more victims succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment, bringing the total death toll to 14.

Authorities say 16 victims remain admitted at the facility with severe injuries.

Police officers visited and documented the scene, and the bodies of the deceased were moved to the Webuye Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where they are awaiting identification and postmortem examination.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing, police said.

The incident increased to 21, the number of people who were killed in separate accidents in the country on Monday, police said.

The victims included 14 pedestrians, six riders and a passenger.

At least 28 people were left with serious injuries in the accidents, police said.

There is a campaign to address the accident menace in the country. Close to 5,000 people were killed in separate accidents in 2025.

Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents across the country, continuing to claim lives despite sustained public safety campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Mechanical failures from poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes.

In addition to driver negligence, poor road conditions such as potholes, confusing signage, and inadequate lighting make travel increasingly dangerous.