By Vincent Matheka
Even as families of nine people, including those of a Seku University Lecturer mourn their dead, fingures are pointing at corruption and lethergy in the management of Kenya's transport sector.
The nine were confirmed dead in a self involving matatu accident at Katangi in Yatta Subcounty along Kitui- Machakos road as it was hurtling down a steep section at full speed.
The passenger death trap was overloaded with human cargo, 30 bags of charcoal on its roof, other bags loaded in its under carriage and other goods under the seats.
According to the police,7 adults and a child died on the spot whereas the ninth victim succumbed on arrival at Machakos Level five hospital.
While the accident happened in Machakos County under the Masii police command, the dead were taken to Kitui Level 4 Hospital mortuary, ostensibly for fear that they may not find the Machakos Level 5 hospital mortuary open.
What is intriguing is how a matatu that left Kitui East at noon passed through traffic police with it's mixed cargo and failed to be impounded.
It transpires that the heavy load strapped on the roof tipped the balance of the 40 passenger vehicle that was nevertheless carrying at least 43 passengers going by the figures tallied by officials after the accident.
Hospital sources say 34 casualties were brought to hospital, 24 admitted at Machakos Hospital with serious injury and 4 others in critical condition were reffered to Kenyatta National Hospital. Added to the 9 dead indicates that the matatu was overloaded, not to mention those who may have escaped with minor or no injuries.
Relatives of those injured applauded the level of service and support offered at Machakos hospital which was a far cry from the mess reported in the hospital early this month.
The aftermath of the accident showed that the cabin was ripped off due to the impact on the crash and weight,making survival a matter of lack for the travellers.
Our sources say the vehicle encountered a road block manned by Kitui County Staff and Administration Police before leaving Kitui County side whereupon they exchanged unknown amount of money before being allowed to drive on.
