The driver of a Climax Coach bus involved in the fatal crash that killed former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo has spoken about the moments leading up to the accident.
He said he was forced to make a split-second decision to protect his passengers.
Kamau Githinji, a bus driver with eight years of experience, said the accident happened early Saturday morning along the Nakuru–Naivasha Highway. He was driving from Nairobi to Busia with 65 passengers on board when the crash occurred at 3am.
According to Githinji, a Mercedes-Benz entered the highway from a petrol station and failed to give way. He said the driver then moved into his lane after encountering traffic on the other side, leading to a head-on collision.
Githinji said he considered swerving to avoid the impact but feared the bus could overturn. With dozens of lives at risk, he chose to stay in his lane. The Mercedes-Benz had only one occupant, the driver.
He said he did not know who was driving the car until police arrived at the scene. That is when he learned the driver was former MP Cyrus Jirongo.
Jirongo sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene, police said. Githinji expressed his condolences to the family, saying he was deeply sorry for their loss.
Jirongo’s body was moved to Naivasha Sub County Hospital morgue and later to Lee Funeral Home. While the vehicles were towed to the Naivasha police station awaiting inspection.
No other fatalities were reported from the accident.
The death has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders and members of the public.
By Vivian K.