A Nissan Matatu loaded with a campaign team of Kiminini Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Chris Wamalwa was involved in a grisly road accident, which left one person dead and another with serious injuries.
Kiminini Sub County Police Commander (SCPC) Mr. John Onditi confirmed the fatal incident that occurred on Wednesday at 7:30pm. Onditi told Kenya News Agency (KNA) the vehicle was heading to Kitale town from Kiminini trading centre at of the accident.
“Preliminary investigations revealed the vehicle was over speeding before its driver lost control and veered off the road and rammed into a woman who was roasting and selling maize by the roadside,” reported Onditi.
The woman, who was with her child, died on spot after being pushed into a nearby culvert. “The child escaped with minor injuries,” added Onditi.
The SCPC said police efforts to contain an irate crowd proved futile as it touched down the vehicle and confirmed fatal van belonged to the legislator’s campaign team. Wamalwa is eyeing the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat on a Ford Kenya ticket.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to KNA claimed four people who were in the vehicle managed to escape for safety from the tragic scene. The driver sustained serious injuries and was rescued by police before he was rushed to nearby Kiminini Cottage Hospital.
The body of the woman was removed to Kitale County Hospital morgue.
Onditi advised politicians against stretching their campaigns to very late hours in order to avoid accidents from occurring in the area. “The tragedy could not have happened. It’s obvious the driver was speeding in attempt to get back home on time,” remarked Onditi.
