A motorcyclist died instantly on Friday night following a head-on collision along the Mumias–Bungoma Road in the Harambe area.
According to police, the accident occurred on 19 June 2026 at about 2045 hours.
The rider, identified as Malik Odhiambo Mapao, was riding a TVS Star motorcycle from the Bungoma direction heading towards Mumias. Police say he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Upon reaching the accident scene, the rider is reported to have failed to keep to his near and proper traffic lane, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming Toyota Hiace matatu belonging to Bungoma Classic Shuttle.
He sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot.
Police officers visited the scene, and the body was moved to St. Mary’s Mission Hospital mortuary, where it is being held awaiting post-mortem examination.
Both the motorcycle and the matatu were towed and detained at the station yard pending inspection.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Mapawo was later buried as per Islamic traditions on 20th June 2026
He used to be one of aides to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and was in charge of Matungu Constituency.
On Friday night, according to police, five people were killed in separate accidents in the country.
They included three riders, a pedestrian and a pillion passenger.
The accidents also left 20 people with serious injuries and they included nine riders.
Close to 5,000 people were killed in separate accidents in 2025.
Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents across the country, continuing to claim lives despite sustained public safety campaigns by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Mechanical failures from poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes. In addition to driver negligence, poor road conditions such as potholes, confusing signage, and inadequate lighting make travel increasingly dangerous.
