Story by Lorraine Anyango and photos by Ondari Ogega
The death toll from Friday’s tragic accident at the Coptic roundabout on the Kisumu-Kakamega highway has risen to 26 after one of the critically injured patients succumbed to their injuries at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
In the wake of the tragedy, medical teams across Kisumu County have mobilized to perform urgent surgeries on 26 survivors. The operating theaters at JOOTRH and other local health facilities are expected to be busy until midnight.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, announced that all the survivors are now stable, but most require implants and surgery. “All the survivors are now stable, and what is next is to perform surgeries,” Dr. Oluga said during a visit to the orthopedic ward this morning. He assured the public there would be no delays, as surgeons have been brought in from across the county.
In addition to caring for the survivors, pathologists from JOOTRH and the surrounding region will work together to conduct post-mortem examinations on the deceased. The government has also pledged to fully support the families of the victims with burial costs, ensuring they will not need to pay anything.
Earlier in the day, Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o visited the survivors and praised the hospital staff for their swift and effective response. “I was here at 5:30 this morning and was very satisfied with the handling of the patients,” Governor Nyong’o said, noting the serious fractures and injuries required significant pain management to keep patients comfortable.
The Governor also called on the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to urgently restructure the entire Kisumu-Kakamega highway, stating that the problem isn’t just the roundabouts but the road’s overall design. He emphasized that the “very conception of the road needs to be reconceived and restructured.”
Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County’s CECM for Health, applauded JOOTRH for its proactive measures, including setting up a blood transfusion center. He called on the public to donate blood, noting, “The county government and JOOTRH will continue to work together to deliver effective services to the people.”
To assist families, an information desk is operating 24/7 at JOOTRH to handle inquiries. Last night, the families of the deceased were provided with food and transportation back to their homes in Nyakach, with plans to bring them back to the hospital as needed.
