Kericho: Husband Mourns Wife Who Died in Tragic Accident That Claimed 13 Lives
- A beloved teacher and mother of five, Janet, tragically lost her life in a horrific road accident along the Kaplong highway that claimed 13 lives
- The heartbreaking crash in Kericho’s Kapkatet area left a community in mourning, and her husband, Joseph Koskei, shattered
- Heartbreaking photos captured a distraught Koskei shedding tears as he struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality
A dark cloud hangs over Kericho County after a tragic road accident along the Kaplong highway in the Kapkatet area claimed the lives of 13 people on Saturday, April 5.
Source: UGC
Among the deceased was Janet, a beloved teacher at Yeganet Primary School and a devoted mother of five.
How Janet met her death
Social media influencer Daktari Kelvin Kipchirchir Ufa told TUKO.co.ke that Janet had set out on what was supposed to be a routine visit to Kapkatet Market.
"After finishing her errands, she boarded a matatu for the return journey—unaware that she would never make it back home," he shared.
Just a few kilometers from the market, the matatu was involved in a horrific multi-vehicle collision, resulting in the loss of 13 lives and injuring several others.
The tragedy has left a lasting scar on the local community, which is grappling with shock and grief.
Janet's husband inconsolable
On Sunday, April 6, residents gathered at the home of Joseph Koskei, Janet’s grieving husband, in a deeply emotional visit marked by sorrow, prayers, and comforting words.
Tears flowed freely as mourners paid their respects to a woman remembered for her kindness, dedication, and love for her family and students.
Janet, a native of Chemagel Ward in Sotik Constituency, was well-known and respected within the education sector and the broader community.
Her sudden passing has left a gaping hole in the hearts of those she touched through her life and work.
Source: Facebook
Kenyans console grieving families
Public figures and residents alike expressed their sorrow. Bomet Senator conveyed his condolences in a heartfelt post on social media.
One netizen, Peter Langat, wrote:
“Mutyo missing, may God comfort the family. May the soul of Madam Janet rest in peace. May God comfort my former pupils, Mildred and Loraine. So sad.”
Another message from a resident identified as Rono called attention to the broader implications of the tragedy.
“So sorry for the loss. Wakili Hillary K. Sigei, CBS, the main roads in Kenya need dual carriageways to cut down these accidents. No matter what safety measures are put in place, the roads are so narrow, and there are more cars than before. Priorities will save the lives of our people.”
Chelangat Sonoiya Mercy
"My village is in tears, and the trauma of losing our parents (mothers) cuts deep. Just the other day we buried my mum and now our neighbour and mum's friend is no more. The pain is unbearable. Lord, have mercy on us."
Eunice Sadera said:
"May God give them strength and peace."
Another survivor speaks
Many families who lost loved ones and survivors of the deadly Saturday accident have spoken in the wake of the aftermath of the deadly Saturday accident.
A man who was involved in the accident with his son opened up on the horrific moment that he witnessed his 27-year-old son die in the accident.
Charles Kitur disclosed that his son was the driver of the lorry. He narrated that his son veered off the road while attempting to avoid a collision with a motorbike.
"The lorry was speeding when suddenly it almost hit a boda boda rider. My son veered off the road to avoid hitting it, but unfortunately, he hit the matatu leading to the deadly crash," he narrated.
The accident has revived calls to fix the Sotik-Litien Highway.
What caused Kericho accident?
The fatal collision, which occurred at around 3.30 pm at the Cheptakulge area near Daraja Sita, involved a lorry, a matatu, and a private car.
Preliminary investigations have pointed fingers at the private car, reportedly ferrying revellers from a celebration, for reckless driving and loud distractions.
Governor Hillary Barchok said rescue teams responded swiftly, with victims taken to nearby hospitals as calls were made for stricter traffic enforcement at black spot areas.
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest added details of another survivor speaks
Source: TUKO.co.ke
