A devastating road accident in Kisii County has left multiple people dead and scores injured after a trailer truck lost control and ploughed into roadside traders and vehicles at Daraja Mbili Market, one of the busiest and most congested areas in the region.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, and has once again raised alarm over road safety concerns in Kisii town and along the notorious Daraja Mbili blackspot.
WHAT HAPPENED AT DARAJA MBILI: BRAKE FAILURE BLAMED FOR THE DEADLY CRASH
According to the Motorists Association of Kenya, the trailer was descending from Kisii town when its brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control on the steep slope. Eyewitnesses say the trailer was speeding uncontrollably as it approached the congested marketplace.
“The trailer was moving too fast. It kept hooting but couldn’t stop. People screamed and tried to run, but there was no time,” said Gabriel Ondieki, a local witness.
The driver veered through the tight road trying to avoid heavy human and vehicle traffic, but instead collided with:
- A Probox vehicle
- Several motorcycles (boda bodas)
- A tuk-tuk
- Multiple roadside stalls where women were selling vegetables and fruits
MULTIPLE CASUALTIES REPORTED, EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVATED
Initial reports from the Kisii County Police and the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital confirm several fatalities, with dozens more injured, some critically.
The scene quickly descended into chaos as bystanders and vendors scrambled to rescue the trapped. First responders, paramedics, and county emergency services arrived shortly afterward, transporting the injured to nearby health facilities.
Photos and videos from the scene showed twisted metal, scattered goods, and overturned stalls—evidence of the immense impact.
LOCALS DEMAND IMMEDIATE ROAD SAFETY INTERVENTION
This is not the first time tragedy has struck at Daraja Mbili Market, a known accident hotspot. Locals say the area has been neglected despite numerous accidents reported in the same location over the years.
“Three weeks ago, another crash happened here. How many more people have to die before the government fixes this?” another trader exclaimed.
In response, Kisii residents are now calling on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to:
- Widen and dual the road
- Install road signage and rumble strips
- Construct pedestrian crossings and guard rails
- Enforce strict vehicle inspection for trucks and public transport vehicles
- Set up emergency response units near blackspots
ROAD SAFETY IN KENYA: A GROWING CONCERN
This incident adds to the increasing number of road fatalities in Kenya, especially involving heavy commercial vehicles with brake failures. In 2025 alone, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reported a concerning surge in accidents linked to mechanical failures, poor road infrastructure, and overloading.
As the nation mourns the lives lost in Kisii, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures, especially in high-traffic zones like markets and public transport terminals.
