Faithfuls, road users hold prayers at accident scene in Yatta

Christian faithfuls in Sofia, Yatta sub-County on Monday held prayers to cleanse a black spot on the Thika-Garrissa highway following increased road accidents at the scene.

The faithfuls led by Deliverance Church Bishop John Katundu, prayed at the Kwa Majini area near Sofia shopping centre where many accidents have occurred in the recent past.

Bishop Katundu said Faithfuls from various churches had congregated at the black spot to pray and administer cleansing following a grisly accident last week where a vehicle rolled down and caught fire burning down the occupabnts who were traveling in it.

The bishop said they had cast out the evil spirits in the past, but it appeared the spirits had returned and were taking away innocent lives in the same manner.

"This place is known as Kwa Majini and we've come here several times to drive out the evil spirits. But last week a grisly accident happened here where passengers burnt in the vehicle they were traveling in. That's why we've congregated to cast out the evil spirits," said Bishop Katundu.

He also called on drivers to be careful on the road especially during the festive season when many accidents occur.

The bishop said accidents can be prevented if every Kenyan can take responsibility to promote safety on the road.

That way, he said, “accidents that occur on our roads would be minimised”.

"We all need good roads for our daily use, but do not maintain them to be death traps. Every Kenyan therefore has a responsibility to promote safety on the roads," he added.

Drivers along the road have called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to take proactive measures to curb road accidents along the road.

They said the region has poor signage along Thika-Matuu-Garissa Highway, which they described as a ticking time bomb on road users.

"It is important that KeNHA and others responsible ensure appropriate signage and warning is conveniently placed at relevant zones to ensure motorists of both private and public service vehicles drive safely to various destinations," their statement said as read out by matatu driver Peter Kamau.