Londiani Deadly Crash: Tragic Events That Captured Kenyans' Attention In 2023

In 2023, many Kenyans lost their lives through tragic events such as grisly road accidents and crime-related incidents
Londiani accident on June 30 was so devastating that 53 innocent people lost their lives and several others injured
The year also witnessed the Shakahola massacre, where followers of Pasto Paul Mackenzie died after being asked to fast until death

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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The year 2023 has been a busy and eventful year, with many tragic events, including heart-wrenching murder cases, making headlines.

TUKO.co.ke highlights some of the major tragedies that saw innocent Kenyans lose their lives.

1. Shakahola massacre

In April, Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church made headlines after he was accused of coercing his followers to death.

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More than 429 bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the Shakahola forest.

Now known as the Shakahola massacre, the tragedy caused astonishment across the country as many families lost their loved ones.

Some of the survivors said the controversial pastor asked them to fast until death to meet Jesus before the end of the world in August 2023.

Mackenzie was arrested on April 15 and is facing charges of terrorism, murder, counselling and aiding suicide, abduction, radicalization, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.

2. Londiani accident

On June 30, a tragic accident happened at the Londiani road junction, leaving many people dead and others seriously injured.

The accident happened after a lorry carrying cement collided with multiple vehicles, resulting in the tragic deaths of 53 individuals, including roadside traders and their customers.

President William Ruto sent a message of condolence to the families of over 50 people who died in a road accident at the Londiani junction.

He said the deaths of innocent youths robbed the country of vital young talents that would have contributed immensely to nation-building.

"The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani, Kericho county. It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores," said Ruto.

3. Azimio demos deaths

Demonstrations by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party against the Kenya Kwanza government turned tragic; several Kenyans were killed.

In October, the opposition, led by ODM leader Raila Odinga, moved to court seeking justice for 75 people allegedly killed by police during anti-government protests.

In a petition filed by lawyer Paul Mwangi, the coalition party maintained that the 75 were all victims of police brutality.

"The petition seeks justice for the seventy-five deceased persons and their families and for any other persons deceased or injured, who were victims of police brutality during the said period," read the court papers as reported by Nation.

4. Pwani University crash in Naivasha

On Thursday, March 30, a Pwani University bus collided with a 14-seater matatu in the Kayole area along the highway before overturning.

Students and their tutors were heading to the University of Eldoret to participate in a sports competition.

Several injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention. A total of 17 people died in the accident; 14 died on the spot with the three others succumbing to injuries in the hospital.

The cause of the accident was not immediately established, but it is suspected to have resulted from a brake failure.

5. Kericho fire

A major tragedy hit a family in Kapkwen location, Kipkelion West Constituency after six family members died in a house fire.

On Sunday, September 17, a man lost his wife, three children, a sister, and his brother's wife when a fire broke out in a house they were sleeping in at Tumoek village.

Two of his sons, who were sleeping in a detached kitchen house, managed to escape the fire.

Area assistant chief Alice Yegon said a mother and her children are among those who perished in the inferno.

“A mother and her three children perished along with her sister in the inferno that also reduced household goods to ashes,” Yegon told journalists at the scene of the fire.