By Courtesy/ Speaker’s Press Unit (SPU)
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules to stem the rising cases of road carnage across the country.
The Speaker lamented that the increasing number of fatal road accidents was alarming and required firm action against motorists who flout traffic regulations.
He was speaking on Saturday in Bungoma County, where he led a delegation of Members of Parliament to console the family of Mr Samson Barasa in the Sipala area of Webuye East constituency.
Mr Wetang’ula was accompanied by Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli, Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilyanga and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela.
The Barasa family lost three children in a tragic road accident on Christmas Eve.
The siblings were among 12 passengers who perished in the crash at Mukhonje along the busy Webuye–Malaba highway.
The victims—Walter Simiyu, who was preparing to join Form Four next year, Humphrey Muriithi, a Grade Six pupil, and Prince Baraka—were travelling home to join their family for Christmas celebrations when the accident occurred, cutting short young lives full of promise.
Overwhelmed by grief, Mr Barasa broke down as he recalled receiving the devastating news.
“At first, it felt like a bad dream, but when it finally sank in that they were gone, my heart was shattered,” he said, noting that the family had been preparing to celebrate Christmas together the following day.
He described Walter as hardworking and eager to join Form Four, adding that the tragedy had left the family devastated.
Describing the loss as “unimaginable and unbearable”, Speaker Wetang’ula said the deaths underscored the heavy human cost of reckless driving, particularly during the festive season.
“The pain in this family is a stark reminder of how a single accident can shatter dreams, disrupt education and wipe out the future of young Kenyans,” the Speaker said, urging motorists to strictly observe traffic rules to prevent avoidable deaths.
The leaders offered financial assistance to support the family as they prepare to bury their children, with Mr Wetang’ula assuring them of continued support during the difficult period.
Earlier, while addressing the Tachoni Cultural Festival at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology grounds, the Speaker reiterated the government’s commitment to constructing a monument at Chetambe to honour locals who were killed by colonial forces while resisting British rule.
He said the facility, to be built on a 20-acre parcel of land, would serve as a historical and cultural tourism site for the community.
Senator Wakoli called on the Bungoma County Government to increase budgetary allocations for cultural activities, noting that culture is a devolved function.
Ms Wambilyanga and Mr Pepela welcomed the planned monument and lauded the revival of the Tachoni Cultural Festival, saying the initiatives were key to preserving heritage, promoting unity and strengthening cultural identity.
The leaders urged residents to maintain peace and cohesion as the region prepares to usher in the New Year.