Public service vehicle operators and other motorists travelling during this festive season have been urged to drive carefully to avoid road carnage witnessed during such periods.
Speaking during the official opening of the Salman Farris Mosque in Garissa town, a section of Garissa religious leaders led by Ahmed Samar said that no life should be lost due to negligence on the part of the drivers on the road.
“We ask our drivers and all motorists to be careful on the roads so that we do not lose more lives especially during this festive season,” he said.
The leaders further urged Garissa residents to maintain peace during the forthcoming by-elections for Garissa township MP seat set for January 5 next year.
“We are asking our people even from the mosques to live well with their neighbours. We are brothers and sisters, and one people. It is only one person who will win the elections and so, whatever the case lets maintain peace,” Samar added.
Earlier this week transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen said that since January and November this year, 4,432 people had lost their lives in road accidents.
The death toll from road accidents is said to be the highest this year since independence where 1,595 pedestrians lost their lives while crossing roads.
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) statistics further show that 403 drivers, 793 passengers, and over 1,190 boda boda operators were also killed in road accidents this year.
By Erick Kyalo
