Over 10 People Killed in New Year's Day Separate Accidents

At least 13 people lost their lives while more than 20 others were injured in a series of tragic road accidents reported on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, in Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, and near Burnt Forest along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway.

The most devastating of the crashes occurred at Katito Kaliech stage along the busy Homa Bay–Kisumu Highway in Nyakach, where at least 11 people were confirmed dead. 

According to police reports, the accident happened when a vehicle lost control at the crowded stage, ploughing into pedestrians and other road users.

Several victims died on the spot due to the severity of the impact, while three others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment. 

Emergency responders worked for hours to clear the wreckage and recover bodies from the scene as shocked residents looked on.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion following the crash, noting that the area was particularly busy due to New Year travel and celebrations. 

Police officers cordoned off the scene to allow rescue operations and launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident.

In a second incident within the same Nyakach area, another serious crash was reported at Pap Onditi along the Katito–Nyakach/Kendu Bay Road. 

A public service vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Authorities said the pickup truck lost control, veered into the opposite lane, and rammed into an oncoming Toyota Hiace matatu that was ferrying passengers. The collision involved a total of 22 people.

Kisumu County Health Executive Greg Ganda said the County Emergency Operations Centre received a distress call at 2:57pm and immediately activated emergency response protocols. 

Four ambulances were dispatched from Nyakach, Masogo, Rabuor, and Nyangande to evacuate victims from the scene.

“The injured were first stabilised at Nyakach County Hospital before being transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialised care,” Ganda said, adding that medical teams were on high alert due to increased road accidents during the festive season.

Meanwhile, another fatal accident was reported near Burnt Forest along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway, involving a container-laden trailer and a Toyota Voxy. 

Witnesses said the container became dislodged from the trailer while in motion and landed on the smaller vehicle.

The impact killed two people instantly, while another occupant sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. 

Traffic along the busy highway was temporarily disrupted as rescue teams and police officers worked to clear the scene and restore normal flow.

Police have since launched investigations into the Burnt Forest accident, with preliminary reports pointing to possible mechanical failure or improper securing of the container.

Following the accidents, authorities urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during the festive period when traffic volumes are high. 

Police warned drivers against speeding, reckless overtaking, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Road safety advocates also called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public awareness to prevent similar tragedies. 

They noted that New Year celebrations often coincide with a spike in road accidents across the country.