Seven Kenyan artists killed in road accident

ELDORET, Kenya, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Kenyan artists died in a road accident on Saturday evening after a vehicle they were traveling in was involved in an accident along the busy Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

Molo Base Police Commander Moses Nderitu confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the seven musicians died after their car collided head-on with a truck around 8:30 p.m.

Nderitu said all occupants of the car died instantly as the vehicle was crashed completely while the occupants of the lorry survived.

"The driver of the truck and his loader escaped with injuries. We have launched investigations to establish the cause of the accident," the police commander said.

He said the artistes were set to perform in the evening where hundreds had turned up for the show.

Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Zero Arome said driver of the Probox vehicle tried to overtake a vehicle and hit the trailer, killing the seven on spot.

Among those killed was a popular secular musician Weldon Cheruiyot of Keneny International. Cheruiyot, popularly known as Keneny, is a celebrated musician in the Kalenjin community.

Analysts say the accidents have been on the increase in Kenya this year with police blaming drivers who often float traffic rules.

The accidents are usually common during festive season as thousands of people travel up country for celebrations. Enditem