Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, says all survivors of Friday’s devastating accident at the Coptic roundabout on the Kisumu–Kakamega highway are now stable but most require implants and urgent surgeries.
“All the survivors are now stable, and what is next is to perform surgeries. There will be no delays as surgeons have been brought in from across the county,” Dr. Oluga said during a visit to the orthopedic ward at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) this morning.
The death toll from the accident has risen to 26 after one of the critically injured patients succumbed to injuries at JOOTRH. Medical teams across Kisumu County have mobilized to perform surgeries on the 26 survivors, with operating theaters at JOOTRH and other local health facilities expected to run until midnight.
In addition to treating survivors, pathologists from JOOTRH and surrounding regions will work together to conduct post-mortem examinations on the deceased. The government has pledged to cover all burial costs for the victims’ families.
Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o visited the survivors early Saturday and commended hospital staff for their swift response. “I was here at 5:30 this morning and was very satisfied with the handling of the patients,” the Governor said, noting that the severe fractures and injuries required significant pain management. He called on the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to urgently redesign the Kisumu–Kakamega highway, stating that the issue lies not only in the roundabouts but in the overall road design.
Kisumu County CECM for Health, Dr. Gregory Ganda, lauded JOOTRH for setting up a blood transfusion center and urged the public to donate blood. “The county government and JOOTRH will continue to work together to deliver effective services to the people,” Dr. Ganda said.
An information desk has been set up at JOOTRH to operate around the clock, handling inquiries from affected families.
