Story by Lorraine Anyango and Photos by Ondari Ogega
PS Health Announces Urgent Blood Drive at JOOTRH, Government Mobilizes Support for Accident Victims and Families
Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today announced an urgent blood drive at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to support survivors of the tragic road accident that claimed 25 lives along the Kisumu-Kakamega road this evening. The accident involved a school bus carrying members of the Sigoti Clan from Nyakach.
Thirty-two individuals from the accident are currently admitted to JOOTRH’s Orthopaedic Trauma Ward, receiving critical care.
While checking on the state of the survivors at JOOTRH’s Emergency and Accident Unit, Dr. Oluga addressed the media:
“This is tragic news for the entire country, and the entire country is united in this sorrow,” Dr. Oluga stated. “From the Ministry of Health, we are keen to ensure that we do everything that we can, first to prevent more lives from being lost, but secondly, to support these families.”
He confirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the bereaved: “The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, will also be on the ground tomorrow to give required assistance to the families bereaved.”
The blood drive will take place at Leresian Park within the hospital premises, beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025. JOOTRH’s Blood Transfusion Unit will manage donations from willing donors.
Dr. Oluga lauded the swift response of the healthcare workers and thanked collaborators. “We have mobilized all the health workers on their own duty, and we have also alerted other health workers. We have talked with the county government and want to thank the County Government of Kisumu and other hospitals around. The health workers have also been mobilized to come and attend. And we are also mobilizing for blood, as the Deputy Governor mentioned.”
He added, “We are ensuring that by tomorrow, we have a drive here. But in the night, we have a blood transfusion center here that is also alerted, and we have ensured that there are necessary units that we require for anyone that may have lost blood.”
Dr. Oluga expressed immense satisfaction with JOOTRH’s emergency response. “We are extremely impressed by the level of organization of the Accident and Emergency unit. Everything is fairly organized. The hospital is, as of now, very calm. So far, we only have two patients after the accidental emergency. 26 have already gone to the ward, and they are getting their treatment there.” He hailed JOOTRH for its exceptional turnaround time, noting that within three hours of admission, all survivors had been attended to and admitted to wards.
A tent is already being set up for counseling and psychosocial support to traumatized families. “We are very keen to set up our communication channel for families,” Dr. Oluga said. “We are going to set up a psychological first aid for them from tonight.” He also confirmed close collaboration with emergency medical teams and police to secure items collected from the scene for families.
“What we are keen to do right now is to just calm the situation, and the hospital has done a big part in terms of the medical part. And so what we are moving to is the social part of calming the situation as we unite together and as we mourn together,” he affirmed, assuring the country that every affected family will be fully supported.
Dr. Oluga was joined by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, who also commended JOOTRH for its orderly Accident and Emergency unit and prompt life-saving response. Kisumu West MP Rose Abuyu praised the availability of critical equipment at JOOTRH, citing a portable X-ray machine that significantly aided in saving lives.
Other leaders present included Dr. Joshua Oron, MP for Kisumu Central, and Aduma Owour, MP for Nyakach, all of whom committed to marshaling further assistance for the affected families.
Relatives continue to flock to the information help desk at JOOTRH. We send our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and implore all drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today announced an urgent blood drive at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to support survivors of the tragic road accident that claimed 25 lives along the Kisumu-Kakamega road this evening. The accident involved a school bus carrying members of the Sigoti Clan from Nyakach.
Thirty-two individuals from the accident are currently admitted to JOOTRH’s Orthopaedic Trauma Ward, receiving critical care.
While checking on the state of the survivors at JOOTRH’s Emergency and Accident Unit, Dr. Oluga addressed the media:
“This is tragic news for the entire country, and the entire country is united in this sorrow,” Dr. Oluga stated. “From the Ministry of Health, we are keen to ensure that we do everything that we can, first to prevent more lives from being lost, but secondly, to support these families.”
He confirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the bereaved: “The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, will also be on the ground tomorrow to give required assistance to the families bereaved.”
The blood drive will take place at Leresian Park within the hospital premises, beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025. JOOTRH’s Blood Transfusion Unit will manage donations from willing donors.
Dr. Oluga lauded the swift response of the healthcare workers and thanked collaborators. “We have mobilized all the health workers on their own duty, and we have also alerted other health workers. We have talked with the county government and want to thank the County Government of Kisumu and other hospitals around. The health workers have also been mobilized to come and attend. And we are also mobilizing for blood, as the Deputy Governor mentioned.”
He added, “We are ensuring that by tomorrow, we have a drive here. But in the night, we have a blood transfusion center here that is also alerted, and we have ensured that there are necessary units that we require for anyone that may have lost blood.”
Dr. Oluga expressed immense satisfaction with JOOTRH’s emergency response. “We are extremely impressed by the level of organization of the Accident and Emergency unit. Everything is fairly organized. The hospital is, as of now, very calm. So far, we only have two patients after the accidental emergency. 26 have already gone to the ward, and they are getting their treatment there.” He hailed JOOTRH for its exceptional turnaround time, noting that within three hours of admission, all survivors had been attended to and admitted to wards.
A tent is already being set up for counseling and psychosocial support to traumatized families. “We are very keen to set up our communication channel for families,” Dr. Oluga said. “We are going to set up a psychological first aid for them from tonight.” He also confirmed close collaboration with emergency medical teams and police to secure items collected from the scene for families.
“What we are keen to do right now is to just calm the situation, and the hospital has done a big part in terms of the medical part. And so what we are moving to is the social part of calming the situation as we unite together and as we mourn together,” he affirmed, assuring the country that every affected family will be fully supported.
Dr. Oluga was joined by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, who also commended JOOTRH for its orderly Accident and Emergency unit and prompt life-saving response. Kisumu West MP Rose Abuyu praised the availability of critical equipment at JOOTRH, citing a portable X-ray machine that significantly aided in saving lives.
Other leaders present included Dr. Joshua Oron, MP for Kisumu Central, and Aduma Owour, MP for Nyakach, all of whom committed to marshaling further assistance for the affected families.
Relatives continue to flock to the information help desk at JOOTRH. We send our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and implore all drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
