By Kemuma Achieng
A tragic road accident on Monday, June 9, claimed the lives of five Indian tourists and left several others injured after their tour vehicle lost control and veered off the road in Gichaka village, along the Nakuru-Ol Joro Orok road in Nyandarua County.
The tourists were en route from the Maasai Mara to Nyahururu when the minibus they were traveling in reportedly suffered brake failure while descending a steep hill. The vehicle crashed into a ditch near Uhuru Comprehensive School as the driver struggled to navigate a sharp corner.
Nyandarua County Police Commander Stella Cherono confirmed that five individuals died at the scene. The remaining survivors, including the driver, were rushed to Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital, St. Benedict Hospital in Nyahururu, and other medical facilities in Nakuru.
Emergency responders and medical teams worked swiftly to stabilize the injured, many of whom sustained multiple fractures and head injuries. One survivor, speaking from a hospital bed to Citizen TV, recounted the moment of terror:
"I heard a loud bang and everything went dark. I woke up in a hospital. I don’t know how I survived."
Authorities have so far accounted for 25 tourists involved in the crash. The group was reportedly on a multi-day tour of Kenya’s major attractions.
Road Safety Concerns Grow
The incident has sparked renewed concern over road safety on Kenya’s hilly terrains, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Preliminary reports suggest that mechanical failure—specifically brake system malfunction—may have played a significant role in the accident.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the vehicle’s maintenance status and whether negligence may have contributed to the tragedy.
"This is a heartbreaking loss. Our investigations will establish exactly what went wrong and whether the vehicle was roadworthy," said Commander Cherono.
Diplomatic and Government Response
The Indian High Commission in Nairobi has been notified and is working closely with Kenyan authorities to coordinate the response and support affected families. Officials are assisting with the identification and repatriation of the deceased.
The Nyandarua County Government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to support the recovery of the injured.
"This accident is a painful reminder of the urgent need for stricter vehicle inspections, especially for tourist transport," said a statement from the county administration.
A Somber Reminder
Kenya’s scenic landscapes and wildlife reserves continue to attract thousands of international tourists annually, but this tragedy has highlighted the critical importance of transport safety as part of the tourism experience.
Calls are growing for stricter enforcement of safety standards, regular vehicle inspections, and training for tour drivers navigating high-risk terrain.
As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to ensuring justice for the victims and reinforcing systems that can help prevent such devastating losses in the future.
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