Kenyan leader orders probe into road accident after death of 19

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered swift investigation into the road accident in which 19 people were killed along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway early Saturday.

In his condolence message, Kenyatta who is currently in China said he has instructed the relevant authorities to quickly establish the root causes of the accident and to implement more measures that will ensure roads are safer at all times.

"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of more than 19 people in a bus accident at Soysambu area on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. My condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who have lost dear and loved ones," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

A commuter bus, belonging to Highway Sacco, which was headed to Busia in Western Kenya from Nairobi, collided with an oncoming truck, causing the accident at around 02:30 local time.

"The accident happened when the driver of the bus was overtaking a private vehicle but he lost control of the bus and side brushed with oncoming truck," Nakuru County Police Commander Hassan Barua said.

Kenyatta assured that hospitals in the region are treating those that are injured and medical teams are on standby to evacuate any cases that may need specialized care that is not available in the area.

He said emergency and support services have also been dispatched to the accident area to help alleviate the situation. Endit