KeNHA logo//photo courtesy
Story contributed by Olita Reuben
Kenya National Highways Authority (KenNHA) has put on the spot after Malaba Deputy OCS died in a fatal motorcycle accident.
Tobias Murunga’s deat sparked outrage among boda boda riders who are now blaming the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for failing to maintain the Angurai-Malaba-Busia road.
Murunga died on Monday February 3, after his motorcycle was involved in a fatal accident at Ketebat, near Kekalet Primary School.
Confirming the incident, Teso North Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Charles Chepkong’a said the accident occurred at around 2:30 AM along the Malaba-Angurai road. The officer reportedly lost control of his motorcycle after hitting a large pothole.
Police officers from Malaba Police Station rushed to the scene, only to discover that the victim was one of their own. Murunga was taken to Kocholia Sub-County Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to severe head injuries while undergoing treatment.
Following the incident, boda boda riders expressed frustration over the deteriorating state of the road, which they claim has become a death trap.
Amagoro Boda Boda Stage Chairman, Vincent Okiru, criticized KeNHA for neglecting the 60-kilometer stretch, which was commissioned in 2016 by then Deputy President William Ruto under the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“KeNHA should act urgently and recarpet this road. It has been left in a deplorable state despite its commissioning eight years ago,” Okiru said.
He further noted that the Malaba-Busia section is the worst affected due to poor workmanship by the contractor and lack of maintenance.
OCPD Chepkong’a described Murunga as a young, dedicated, and hardworking officer whose loss has left the police force in shock.
“This is a tragic loss for us. We urge all road users, especially motorcyclists, to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations, particularly when riding at night,” he said.
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