Tragedy Strikes in Migori: Newly Appointed Head teacher Killed in Truck Accident Hours After Job Confirmation

A family in Migori County is mourning the sudden and tragic death of Ronald Oyombe, a newly appointed headteacher of Gogo Primary School, who was killed in a road accident just hours after celebrating his new position. The accident occurred on the Migori-Sori Road, a notorious blackspot known for accidents, where Oyombe was fatally struck by a truck while riding home on a motorbike.

The Fatal Accident

According to reports, Oyombe was riding a motorbike on his way home from work when the accident occurred. A heavily loaded truck collided with the motorbike, leading to the headteacher’s immediate death. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck only had one functioning headlight, which may have misled Oyombe into thinking it was an oncoming motorbike. The truck hit him, striking his head and causing a broken leg, leaving him with fatal injuries.

The incident highlighted that the stretch of road where the accident happened is a known danger zone for travelers due to frequent accidents. The late head teacher had only just received his appointment as head of Gogo Primary School and was returning home to celebrate the achievement with his family. What was meant to be a day of celebration quickly turned into one of grief for his loved ones and the teaching community.

How the Family Learned of the Accident

The Oyombe family was informed of the tragedy through an unexpected phone call from a cousin based in Nairobi. According to a statement from the family, someone at the scene of the accident found a school leaving certificate bearing Oyombe’s name among his personal belongings. Recognizing the surname, the first responder contacted a relative in Nairobi, who in turn reached out to the family in Migori to relay the devastating news.

The body of the late teacher was transported to the Migori District Hospital morgue, where it will remain until the planned burial, which is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024. The family is now left grappling with the sudden loss of a beloved father, husband, and educator.

A Life Cut Short

Ronald Oyombe leaves behind two wives and six children. One of his children is set to take her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams this coming October, adding to the emotional weight the family now bears. The tragic loss of their father just before such a critical period in their academic journey has deeply shaken the family and the local community.

In a statement, a relative described the incident as a great tragedy, not only for the family but for the teaching fraternity at large. Oyombe was well-respected in the local community and had been seen as a pillar of strength in his household and school.

The Aftermath of the Accident

Authorities responded swiftly to the scene, towing the truck to a nearby police station for further investigation. It is expected that the truck driver will face charges in relation to the fatal accident, though no official statements have been made regarding the case. Police continue to investigate whether any negligence or road safety violations contributed to the accident, particularly the fact that the truck had only one working headlight.

The Migori-Sori Road, where the accident occurred, is known for its dangerous conditions, and this latest incident has reignited concerns about road safety in the area. Calls have been made for enhanced traffic enforcement and road safety measures to prevent future accidents, especially on known blackspot stretches.

The back-to-back accidents have cast a dark shadow over the country, highlighting the ongoing issue of road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives.

Oyombe’s death marks yet another life tragically cut short by a road accident, underscoring the dire need for improved safety conditions on Kenya’s roads, particularly in accident-prone areas like Migori County.