IG Koome issues a travel advisory after 16 accident-related deaths
IG Koome issues a travel advisory after 16 accident-related deaths
IG Koome issues a travel advisory after 16 accident-related deaths
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has warned drivers not to break traffic laws during the holiday season in a travel warning sent to Kenyans.Koome said in a statement on Wednesday that 16 people had already died in the previous week.
He reiterated that traffic police officers, working in conjunction with their colleagues from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to guarantee safety on roads and also curb corruption.
“The National Police Service has the mandate to enforce traffic laws. However, I wish to emphasise that road safety is our collective responsibility as Kenyans. We must change our behaviour on the roads.
“Therefore, I am appealing to pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, passengers, and drivers to adhere to traffic rules so that we make this festive season safe for all of us.” read a portion of the statement.In addition, Koome cautioned that the El Nino rains had made it harder to see on the roadways and asked drivers to respect speed restrictions.
In an effort to increase police visibility, he also called on all officers who had been on leave to report back to work right away, following an order from Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. Following two separate accidents, one in Machakos and the other in Nakuru, that claimed 16 lives, the Inspector General has issued a travel advisory.
Four persons lost their lives on Monday when a 60-seater bus and a matatu collided on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. Twelve more people lost their lives in Machakos as a result of the matatu’s breaks failing.
Prior to this, Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Gachagua pleaded with drivers not to drive while intoxicated, citing this as the primary cause of traffic accidents. Gachagua also cautioned partygoers against indulging too much while celebrating.
“I’m grateful to God that you’re staying sober for Christmas. The majority of the accidents that have occurred are the result of intoxicated driving. I want you to enjoy your celebration appropriately. In her Christmas address, Pastor Dorcas said, “Alive and sober.”
