Easy Coach speaks following death of Chavakali High school student
Easy Coach, one of the leading passenger and cargo transportation companies in the country, broke its silence following a fatal accident involving one of its buses in Kondele, Kisumu County on the night of April 1, 2024.
The bus had been ferrying Chavakali Boys High School students home in Nairobi from school for the long April holiday when it was involved in an accident at Coptic Roundabout along the Kakamega-Kisumu road at around 9:45 pm.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm a fatal accident involving our Mbale-Nairobi bus that occurred in Mamboleo, Kisumu on April 1st, 2024, around 10 pm. One passenger tragically lost their life in this accident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Three additional passengers were admitted to the hospital but are currently in stable condition. We wish them a full and speedy recovery,” said Easy Coach Management in part.
According to a police report in Nairobi News’ possession, the driver of the 34-seater bus was nowhere to be seen in the aftermath of the accident. At the time of the accident, 34 students were onboard.
“It happened that the vehicle was negotiating the said Coptic roundabout on its way to Kisumu general direction from Kakamega when the driver lost control, hit a rail guard and the vehicle fell down at the edge of the road and rested on its left side. One student (name withheld in the interest of informing next of kin) age 17 was fatally injured on the spot,” read the police report in part.
The injured students were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for soft tissue injuries and minor bruises while the deceased was moved to the mortuary awaiting autopsy.
“The bus was towed to Kondele Police Station for further police action and efforts are being made to know the whereabouts of the driver,” concluded the statement.
Easy Coach also vowed to closely work with the authorities to investigate the cause of the accident, offering their thoughts and prayers to all those involved in the matter.
As investigations begin, a section of Kenyans expressed mixed sentiments regarding the accident as sampled below:
“Moving forward, enforcing seatbelt usage among passengers may be necessary to prevent fatalities in the event of accidents,” said Change A.
“Your undoing is having one driver operating the buses. Not even a conductor. It’s high time you had two drivers in every bus,” opined Owino Oguma.
“That’s unfortunate, pole sana to those affected,” condoled Marvin.
This accident adds to a number of road accidents involving students in learning institutions. Two weeks ago, 11 Kenyatta University students died in Voi when their university bus was involved in a freak accident.
Five days ago, a Moi University bus was also involved in a traffic accident in Kimende as it transported students to Mombasa on a four-day field trip. The University cancelled all academic trips for students in the aftermath.
Three days ago, 47 students from Thika High School escaped after a public service vehicle rammed into their school bus on Thika Road as they headed to Nairobi for games.
In the wake of these accidents, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was quoted in the media saying all public service vehicle drivers and heavy commercial drivers will be retested, and the National Transport and Safety Authority will return to the roads after being ordered away by the previous administration.
“As we approach the Easter festivities and closing of schools, we shall be working closely with the National Police Service and monitoring the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. I urge all road users to be cautious about their safety and the safety of others to prevent the needless loss of lives,” said CS Murkomen in March 2024.