Tree falls on parked car in Kericho after heavy rains

One vehicle was damaged after a large traditional tree in Kericho town fell on a car that had been parked in the area.

Heavy rains have been pounding the region, leading to floods and destruction in several areas.

Police confirmed that only one vehicle was damaged in the incident.

The fall of the tree has sparked debate in the region, with some elders associating it with the death of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.

The tree is locally known as the Simotwet tree in the Kalenjin dialect, and the community traditionally associates it with leadership, kingship and authority.

“When such a tree falls, elders sometimes interpret it as a sign that a great leader has slept or that an era of leadership has come to an end,” said elder John Kimeto.

He said the fall of the tree had sparked quiet reflection among community members concerning Ng’eno’s death.

“Ngeno was definitely a great leader and indeed the fall of the tree is symbolic,” he said.

The tree fell after residents in Kericho held a candlelighting ceremony in honour of the late MP — a moment meant to remember his voice, courage and influence among his people.

However, some residents said the events were just a coincidence and had no connection to each other.

Others within the community argue that the death and the fall of the tree carry deeper cultural meaning about leadership, legacy and responsibility.

The fallen tree was located at a roundabout in the town where it had grown for many years, becoming an iconic symbol known to most residents.

The tree stands a few metres from the county headquarters in Kericho.

Ng’eno, who died in a plane crash along with five other people, will be laid to rest today at Mogondo village in his constituency.

The funeral service is underway in the area.