Protest Erupts in Kericho After Lorry Crash Kills Six

Kericho County, Kenya — 2025-09-17 16:00 EAT. Residents of Kipsitet in Kericho County blocked the Kisumu–Kericho highway on Wednesday after a speeding lorry killed six pedestrians and injured four in a Tuesday night accident.

The Latest

• Protesters lit bonfires and barricaded roads from 10 a.m., paralysing traffic.

• Residents accuse Governor Eric Mutai’s administration of failing to provide street lighting and designated bus stops.

• Police: The lorry lost control at 10 p.m. Tuesday, ramming into people waiting for public transport.

Context in Brief

• Accident killed four people on the spot; two died en route to Kericho County Hospital.

• Four others sustained serious injuries.

• Highway is a key trade and commuter route connecting Kericho and Kisumu counties.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Lawrence Kisini, Sion Sub-County Police Commander: Confirmed deaths and injuries; police have cleared the wreckage.

• Protesters: Demand county pay electricity bills for streetlights and build matatu/boda boda stages to improve safety.

• County officials: Yet to issue a statement on the tragedy or protests.

Evidence & Data

• Casualties: 6 dead, 4 injured.

• Vehicle: Lorry ferrying scrap metal Kericho → Kisumu.

• Time: Crash at 22:00 EAT, protest from 10:00 EAT next day.

Risks and Implications

• Public safety: Inadequate lighting + lack of designated stops expose pedestrians to danger.

• Transport disruption: Blocking highways delays trade, affects regional travel.

• Governance: Rising discontent over rural infrastructure neglect.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether driver faced mechanical failure or reckless driving charges.

• County government’s response timeline on safety upgrades.

• Long-term road safety plan for rural highways.

Timeline

• 2025-09-16, 22:00: Lorry crash kills six in Kipsitet.

• 2025-09-17, 10:00: Residents launch protests on Kisumu–Kericho road.

• Pending: County response on infrastructure, lighting, and safety measures.

What to Watch

• Governor Mutai’s infrastructure commitments post-protest.

• Police investigations into driver liability and lorry condition.

• Possible policy action on rural road safety funding.