The truck driver who caused the londiani accident, which killed at least 50 people, has spoken out for the first time, detailing what happened on that terrible day.

The driver, who is being treated at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, stated that the accident was caused by a brake failure, which led the truck to lose control.

PHOTO | COURTESY Londiani accident

He said he left Simba Cement Factory in Salgaa for Uganda via Busia and lost control of his truck due to brake failure. When he arrived at the junction heading towards Malaba, he lost control of the vehicle because the brakes were not working.

He claims that the vehicle was transporting a large cargo of cement bags to Uganda across the Busia border.

Victims injured in the accident were also admitted to the same hospital, where the doctor who was treating them issued a statement about the victims' condition. 

Kipchumba Murkomen, the Transport CS, has stated that the government will relocate all roadside markets to reduce accidents. Murkomen stated that counties and the national government will supply market space.

PHOTO | COURTESY Londiani accident

According to Murkomen, county administrations and the federal government would provide locations for the marketplaces. The marketplaces, he stated, will be close to the motorway.

"We'll clear the roadside of all markets. He said that to give people selling goods to travellers the chance to do so, the County and National governments will set up markets next to the route.

PHOTO | COURTESY Londiani accident

"As a ministry, we are prepared to set up access roads so that the markets can be relocated and vehicles traveling to make purchases along the highway can enter and exit."

Murkomen claimed that the Londiani tragedy was a catastrophe that could not have been as severe if the markets had not been closer to the road.

"We cannot have that many people working right adjacent to heavily used roadways. In the event that there are court orders, I will need your help," he remarked.