Nineteen people were injured following a head-on collision at Pap Onditi along the Katito-Kendu Bay Road on New Year's Day.

According to a statement released by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the accident occurred at approximately 3:45 PM at Asao area and was reported to the police at 4:10 PM.

The incident involved two vehicles: an Isuzu D-Max pickup (registration number KBR 605D) carrying two passengers, and a Toyota Hiace matatu (registration number KCX 415P) belonging to Bukimi SACCO, which was carrying 17 passengers including four juveniles. 

Police reports indicated that the driver of the pickup truck, traveling from Kendu Bay towards Katito, lost control of the vehicle, veered into the opposite lane, and collided head-on with the oncoming matatu. All 19 occupants from both vehicles sustained injuries of varying degrees.

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In her statement, Governor Wanga expressed deep concern over the accident, extending her sympathies to the families, relatives, and friends of those injured in the devastating incident. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a quick and full recovery," the Governor stated. 

She confirmed that the County Government is working closely with Kisumu County Government, emergency response teams, health facilities, and security agencies to ensure all injured persons receive necessary medical attention and that affected families receive support.

Governor Wanga commended the swift response by first responders and members of the public who assisted at the scene.

The Governor has urged motorists to exercise utmost caution on the roads, observe traffic rules, and remain vigilant, particularly during this period of high traffic volumes. "Road safety is a shared responsibility, and preventable accidents continue to claim precious lives," she emphasized.

The accident was booked under OB 07/01/01/2026 and IAR 1/2026, with investigations ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash. 

Authorities are currently pursuing the identity of both drivers involved in the accident.