Another accident claims 8 in Meru

Written By:Doreen Apollos,    Posted: Sat, Sep 10, 2011

Witnesses say the overloaded matatu was speeding Eight people died and 13 others are admitted in hospital after a matatu they were traveling in plunged into Maara River along Chogoria- Meru Road. The driver is suspected to have been drunk at the time of the accident that occured Friday evening. Witnesses say the overloaded matatu was speeding. Maara OCPD Kizito Mutoro, said that six passengers are admitted in critical condition. Speaking at the scene of accident, the Minister for Energy Kiraitu Murungi called on Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere to transfer all traffic police officers in Meru who he accused of laxity in implementing the law. He said the Traffic Police have failed to crackdown un-roadworthy vehicles and drivers who break traffic rules. "There has been reluctance on the traffic police to implement the directive issued by the President in Machakos for the enforcement of traffic rules," he said He noted that the increase in accidents in the area is alarming adding that bumps will be erected to cut speed. This week alone there have been three accidents at Mitheru and Kanyakine along the same road. Area councilor Alhaji Mwendia blamed the accidents on the traffic officers whom he said have continued to take bribes.