Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of three students from Ober Boys Boarding Comprehensive School who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Homa Bay County on Wednesday. The incident, which also involved learners from Mbita High School, occurred following two separate accidents in the area.
The first accident, which involved Ober Boys students, took place along the Sondu-Ahero road at Kibuon. A matatu, ferrying the students, rammed into a stationary lorry. Three students died at the scene, while three others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. Ogamba confirmed that the parents of the deceased students have been informed, with the exception of one parent who is currently abroad.
In the second accident, a vehicle veered off the road and hit four students from Mbita High School. The injured students were rushed to Prince Richard Hospital in Mbita, with two being referred to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital for further treatment. Fortunately, the two are now in stable condition.
Ogamba assured the public that the Ministry of Education is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to investigate the causes of both accidents thoroughly. “On my behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I send our condolences to the bereaved families, and also wish a quick recovery to all those injured,” he said in a statement.
The Education CS urged motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially during the ongoing school holiday period when many students are traveling to their homes. He emphasized the need for greater caution on the roads to prevent further tragedies, following earlier warnings from the police about the risks posed by reckless driving.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety in Kenya, especially as students travel during holiday breaks. Authorities have urged drivers to be vigilant, with public transport providers reminded of their responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly schoolchildren.
