Africa-Press – Kenya. Christmas Day celebrations turned tragic after five people lost their lives in a road accident along the Kericho-Nakuru highway.
The accident occurred early Thursday morning, December 25, near Kedowa Trading Centre, Kericho County, involving a Toyota Probox and a trailer. Police say the five victims died on the spot, while two others, seriously injured, were rushed to Kericho County Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary police reports stated that the Probox was suspected to have been overspeeding before it collided with a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck travelling towards Nakuru.
Kericho County police commander James Nyatich confirmed the incident, noting that it happened early morning on Christmas Day.
“At around 5 am, a probox ferrying six passengers suspected to be young men was rammed into an oncoming truck around the Kedowa area,” Nyatich confirmed.
Police believe the victims were members of the same family and were coming from a holiday celebration before the tragic accident.
The fatal crash now brings the number of those killed in road accidents, in 72hours alone, to 36, according to reports by the national transport and safety authority (NTSA).
The report, released on Wednesday, December 24, stated that on Tuesday and Wednesday alone, at least 31 road users had lost their lives following different road accidents, with one claiming the lives of eight passengers travelling home for Christmas celebrations in Lugari, along the Eldoret -Webuye highway.
According to NTSA, most of the fatalities were pedestrians and passengers, followed by motorcyclists and pillion passengers.
Kenya has since witnessed increased road accidents during festive seasons as most people usually travel upcountry to celebrate with families and friends.
Despite the increased accidents, the authority reaffirmed its commitment to prioritise road safety. NTSA says it has deployed all necessary resources to safeguard lives on the roads.
The authority reported that since December 20, 2025, it had identified 1,702 violations involving commercial, public service and private vehicles. It also added that it had already arrested 42 drivers and multiple cars flagged as non-compliant.
Drivers have often been reminded to be cautious on the roads, obey speed limits, not to drink and drive and to maintain lane discipline, especially during this festive season, so as to reduce road accidents.
