Two form four students on Friday evening perished in a road accident at the infamous Kamatira black spot area on Kitale-Lodwar highway.
Confirming the accident, West Pokot County Police Base Commander Catherine Msagha said the two were on a motorbike when they collided head on with a Turk rift matatu that was headed to Kitale from Lodwar.
She added that the rider of the motorcycle who was also a student was overtaking a vehicle but unfortunately rammed into an oncoming matatu where one of the students died on the spot.
She said the rider sustained fractures on both hands and left leg and was rushed to Kapenguria Referral Hospital but succumbed to the injuries later.
“The motorcycle was extensively damaged while the vehicle was damaged on the left front headlight and windscreen,” she said.
She said the bodies of the two students were taken to Kapenguria county hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem examination.
“The vehicle with REG. NO. KCQ 950B and the motorcycle REG NO. KMFE 319B were towed to Kapenguria police station yard awaiting inspection,” she said.
She said the driver of the matatu recorded a statement at Kapenguria police station while the others on the vehicle escaped unhurt.
Msagha advised parents to desist from buying their school going children motorbikes to curb such incidents.
“During this festive season, parents should take care of their children. The two didn’t have helmets and were not qualified drivers to ride the motorcycle,” she said.
She advised all riders to be careful during the Christmas rush period warning that illegal drivers who don’t have driving licenses will be apprehended.
Tamugh Secondary School Principal Anthony Ngeiywa said they closed the school on Friday and allowed students to go home for the short holiday.
“The students met their death while at home. They took a motorbike from home and while riding towards Chepareria centre they hit the matatu. As a school we have been disheartened by the deaths of the two candidates. One is from Chepareria and the other one is from Elgeyo Marakwet. They are friends,” said the school head.
In July this year, three people died on the spot at the very hilly area with a winding stretch when two lorries collided.
By Richard Muhambe
