Malaha Junction: Why deadly crashes keep happening at Webuye black spot
Malaha Junction on the busy Webuye–Kitale highway has once again turned into a scene of heartbreak.
At least 14 people died on Monday night after a trailer rammed into a crowd that had gathered following an earlier crash.
Witnesses say the first accident involved a motorcycle and a vehicle. Residents and boda boda riders rushed to help. Moments later, a speeding trailer ploughed into the crowd.
More than 30 people were injured.
Many were boda boda riders and residents who had gathered at the roadside.
The tragedy has once again raised painful questions about the safety of Malaha Junction.
For many residents, the spot has become synonymous with road accidents.
A junction feared by locals
Malaha Junction lies along the busy A1 highway linking Eldoret, Webuye and the Malaba border.
Every day, hundreds of heavy trucks pass through the road carrying cargo to and from Uganda and other East African countries.
Residents say the heavy traffic, speeding trailers and poor road design have made the junction extremely dangerous.
Boda boda riders who operate in the area say accidents are common, especially at night.
Visibility is often poor.
Trucks descend the road at high speed. Many drivers fail to slow down when approaching the junction.
“Crashes here are not new,” said one boda boda operator at the scene.
“We have lost many people on this road.”
Lusaka mourns victims
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka described the accident as a devastating tragedy for the county.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred at Malaha Junction in Webuye where several lives were lost and others injured,” he said.
According to the governor, reports indicate the crash began with a collision involving a motorcycle before a trailer rammed into members of the public who had gathered at the scene.
“On behalf of the people and the County Government of Bungoma, I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said.
Mr Lusaka also wished those injured a quick recovery.
He urged motorists to exercise extra caution, especially during the rainy season.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder that all road users must be careful, particularly when roads are slippery and visibility is poor,” he said.
A dangerous crossing
Residents who spoke after the accident say Malaha Junction has long needed better safety measures.
The junction connects villages on both sides of the highway. Motorcycles and pedestrians cross the road throughout the day.
But many motorists fail to slow down. Poor lighting and lack of traffic control measures make the situation worse.
Heavy trailers travelling along the Malaba corridor also struggle to control speed when descending the road, especially during rainy weather.
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