How 26 villagers perished in a horrific bus crash

By Newsflash Writer

A village in Kisumu County is mourning the deaths of 26 people who perished in a grisly road accident at the Coptic roundabout on the Kisumu–Kakamega highway on Friday, 8 August.

The victims were members of two closely knit clans from Koguta Katombo village in Nyakach — 22 from the Korwa clan and four from the neighbouring Katieno clan.

Grief hangs heavily over the community. From homestead to homestead, wails pierce the air as families struggle to comprehend the loss. In some homes, entire households have been wiped out; in others, survivors sit in stunned silence. The tragedy has touched nearly every family in the village.

The victims had travelled to Nyahera, Kisumu West, for the burial of Risper Akeyo Ogendo, boarding a Naki Secondary School bus for the short 20-kilometre trip. Among the 54 passengers was an 18-month-old baby. Those who opted for private cars escaped the tragedy.

For 26 of them, the return journey became fatal. The bus rolled several times after the driver lost control, killing passengers instantly and injuring many others, who are now admitted to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Margaret Onyango captured the magnitude of the loss: “It feels like half the village is gone.” The tragedy has left many children orphaned overnight, their futures now uncertain.

Stories of loss and survival

Eighteen-year-old Lavender Vallary now clings to photos of her parents, Samuel and Esther Odhiambo, both of whom died in the crash. “They told me to take care of the home. I didn’t know it would be forever,” she said through tears.

Kezia Atieno, a 20-year-old university student, survived because she travelled in another vehicle. “If my parents had taken a different route, maybe they’d still be alive,” she said.

For Grace Amimo, grief is compounded by fear — her father died, and her mother lies critically injured in hospital. Elder Lawrence Agai lost two brothers, with two others hospitalised. “We also lost two bishops and elders who were the pillars of our community,” he said.

Witness accounts and medical response

Survivor Felix Okoth recalled the moments before the crash: “The bus hit bumps, and the driver tried to negotiate the roundabout but failed. It rolled over and landed on its back.”

In the female ward, Philgona Anyango Owak, nursing head and hand injuries, said: “I am alive by God’s grace. Please pray for us.”

Paul Omollo’s elderly mother survived, but his son’s wife died, leaving behind four children aged 10 to 16. “I have viewed their bodies in the morgue,” he said quietly.

At the hospital, a blood donation drive is underway for the 28 injured. Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga confirmed that 21 mourners died on the spot and five at the hospital. Twenty-six survivors remain admitted, with three theatres set aside for emergency surgeries.

“We call on the public to donate blood and help save lives,” Dr Oluga said, adding that health workers from neighbouring facilities have been mobilised to support treatment efforts.