Businessman Samson Barasa at his home in Maanga village, Webuye East, Bungoma County, during a moment of grief following the Christmas Eve road accident at Mukhonje in Kakamega County that claimed 12 lives./HILTON OTENYO
The father of three children who died in a horrific crash at Mukhonje along the Eldoret–Webuye highway on Christmas Eve, Samson Barasa, said he initially received news of their deaths as if it were a bad dream.
“At first it felt like a bad dream, but when it finally sank in that they were gone, my heart was shattered,” he said.
The three—Walter Simiyu, who was set 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.
Barasa said Simiyu was excited about joining Form Four when schools resume in January.
“He was hardworking, focused on education, and loved his siblings. Such a tragedy has never struck our family before,” Barasa said
Barasa recalled how his family had prepared to celebrate Christmas together the following day before receiving the devastating news of the deaths of his three children.
The father was speaking when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led other Bungoma leaders to condole with the family in the Sipala area of Webuye East constituency on Friday.
The three children were among 12 passengers who were killed in the crash at Mukhonje along the busy Webuye–Malaba highway. Wetang’ula described the loss as unimaginable and unbearable.
Wetang’ula said the deaths on Christmas Eve pointed to the human cost of reckless driving, especially during the festive season.
“The grief in this family shows how a single accident can shatter dreams, disrupt academic journeys, and wipe out the future of young Kenyans,” he 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, even as Wetang’ula assured them of continued support during the difficult period.
Wetang’ula was accompanied by Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli, Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilyanga, and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela.
The Speaker said the upcoming dualling of the Eldoret–Malaba highway will ease traffic congestion on the busy road and reduce accidents.
Pepela said most road accidents can be avoided because they occur as a result of human error.