Kenya is currently facing a concerning surge in road accidents, posing a serious threat to public safety. Amidst this troubling trend, a disturbing video circulating on social media has captured widespread attention and sparked public outcry.
The footage depicts a driver navigating recklessly through the notorious blackspot area of Salgaa, shamelessly using a mobile phone while behind the wheel. This blatant disregard for traffic laws has raised serious concerns about the alarming risks posed to both motorists and pedestrians.
The video prompted mixed reactions from Kenyans online, with some condemning the driver’s behavior and calling for strict penalties.
@ronnie.kiprop expressed outrage, stating, “this one should have his license revoked and be banned from driving. He is risking the lives of more than 10 people who may be breadwinners to families. Shame on him!”
Others, like @thee.great-kenyan, emphasized the need for severe punishments for careless drivers, asserting that “nowadays the cause of accidents is careless driver and severe punishments should be taken to them.”
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However, amidst the condemnation, some users questioned the effectiveness of recording the incident instead of directly addressing the driver’s behavior.
@aboy-bryte suggested, “call him out and ask him to focus. Recording him doesn’t solve anything.”
Meanwhile, @form-zen remarked, “recording the driver is silly. Speak out! Call him out and he will readjust. The culture of recording doesn’t resolve.”
Moreover, the incident prompted discussions about the Zusha! National Road Safety Campaign, aimed at empowering passengers to speak up against reckless driving. Launched in May 2015, Zusha! encourages passengers in matatus and buses to protest against unsafe driving practices.
The public outcry also comes in the wake of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s directive to fit speed limits on all public service vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicles. Additionally, school buses are being reinspected to ensure compliance with government standards, with restricted operating hours set between 6 am and 7 pm.
These measures underscore the urgent need for collective action to address Kenya’s road safety crisis and protect lives on the nation’s highways.