Today, a Kisumu law court arraigned and charged the driver of the tragic Easy Coach bus that killed a student from Chavakali Boys High School and injured numerous others in a traffic accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway.
George Onyango Riako was freed on a Ksh. 200,000 cash bail or an alternative Ksh. 500,000 bond after entering a not-guilty plea to 10 counts, which included causing the death of one student and injuring nine others.
Principal Magistrate D.K. Mtai of the Winam Law Court heard testimony from Onyango, who was found to have been speeding on April 1 and caused the accident that claimed the life of Joseph Mwadulo.
In the remaining nine counts, the accused allegedly purposefully engaged the emergency brake, causing the car to veer and come to a stop on its side, injuring nine pupils.
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His attorney had earlier requested reasonable bond terms from the court, arguing that his client posed no flight risk and would be happy to appear at any time.
MTAI directed the prosecution to provide witness statements to the accused attorney and stated that the case would be discussed on April 25, 2024, the day of the hearing.
There are still 23 students who have not yet recorded statements with the police, their potential testimonies could significantly impact the case, and it is possible that the ODPP will add their statements to the charge sheet in the future.
Onyango was reported missing from the scene as soon as the accident occurred.
