A football player for Reli Gonga Football Club (FC) from Mwatate sub-county died on Sunday night while sixteen others sustained injuries after their hired vehicle rolled several times at Mariwenyi area along Voi-Mwatate Highway.
The team was coming back from Mombasa County where they had gone on Saturday to participate for the main league football games.
The Reli Gonga FC Chairman, Mwaisaka Mwalegha said the club was devastated by the news of the accident that claimed one of their ‘lethal’ players.
Speaking to KNA on Monday, Mwalegha said the driver lost control of the vehicle at a straight stretch at Mariwenyi area. The vehicle rolled severally, trapping most players underneath.
Well-wishers responded and rescued the players and rushed them to Moi County Referral Hospital.
“We lost one player in the accident. Three others sustained serious injuries but the rest were discharged,” he said.
The chairperson said the Reli Gonga FC had played its last game on Sunday against Rabai FC where the two teams drew 2-2.
Confirming the accident, the Voi OCPD, Bernastein Shari said the wreck was towed to Voi Police Station and investigations have been launched into the tragedy.
He said that the body of the deceased player was taken to Moi County Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
“We are continuing to urge members of public to observe traffic rules at all times,” he said.
Police are probing if the vehicle was speeding with preliminary reports, claiming the vehicle was carrying excess passengers.
By Wagema Mwangi
