President William Ruto has called on traffic authorities to take immediate action and hold accountable those responsible for negligence following the Kisumu-Kakamega highway crash that has claimed 25 lives.

In a statement on Saturday, he stressed the urgent need to address traffic violations and improve road safety across the country.

The tragic accident occurred at about 5:30 pm on Friday at the Coptic roundabout, just outside Kisumu City, when a school bus carrying mourners from Nyahera to Nyakach lost control while navigating this notorious blackspot and overturned.

Health Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga confirmed that 21 people died instantly at the scene.

Four more victims passed away shortly after being admitted to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), bringing the death toll to 25. Currently, 28 patients, including a child, are receiving treatment for their injuries.

“We have mobilized all health workers on duty and alerted additional personnel to ensure the injured get the best possible care,” said PS Oluga.

He added that the county government and nearby hospitals are working together to respond effectively to the tragedy.

A blood donation drive will start at 9 am on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Leresian Park inside JOOTRH to support those who lost blood in the crash.

President Ruto sent his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a quick recovery to the injured.

“We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence leading to the accident and address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country,” he said on Saturday.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili joined Olunga in commending the quick response from medical teams, Kenya Red Cross, and security agencies who rushed to the scene.

Several local leaders, including MPs Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), Dr. Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Aduma Owour (Nyakach), and Kisumu County Health Chief Executive Member Dr. Greggory Ganda, visited the hospital to offer support.

Nyanza Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Peter Maina confirmed that among the victims were 10 men, 10 women, and an eight-month-old baby.

The 20 survivors were rushed to JOOTRH, with five in critical condition. Mechanical experts are investigating the cause of the crash.

The Coptic roundabout is a known dangerous spot with a history of fatal crashes. Locals blame poor road design, lack of proper signage, and reckless driving for the frequent accidents in the area.