Kenya Road Accident Results in Loss of Life for Eritrean Refugees
Tragedy struck on Kenya’s Nakuru-Eldoret highway as two Eritrean refugees lost their lives, and six others sustained severe injuries in a road accident.
The refugees were passengers in a minibus-taxi that collided with a stationary truck parked alongside the road. Currently, the injured refugees are undergoing treatment in a hospital.
One survivor recounted to the BBC the suddenness of the accident, expressing bewilderment over its cause and the inability to perceive the parked lorry.
Reports indicate that several refugees have sustained injuries ranging from broken legs to fractured hands and head pains.
According to police findings, the stationary truck had encountered mechanical issues and was left unattended on the road without any warning signs.
In recent times, Eritrean refugees, driven by desperation, have embarked on journeys southward from Ethiopia, often aiming to reach Uganda. These journeys can entail substantial financial costs, with refugees sometimes paying up to $2,000 (£1,600) to facilitate their travel.
The perilous nature of these journeys was highlighted in December when five Eritreans, en route to Uganda from Ethiopia, perished in a boat accident on Kenya’s Lake Turkana.
Similarly, just last month, Kenya witnessed another tragedy involving Eritrean refugees, as four individuals lost their lives in a car accident near Meru.
These incidents underscore the immense risks faced by refugees fleeing their home countries in search of safety and better opportunities. Despite their aspirations for a brighter future, they often encounter perilous circumstances along the way, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and support mechanisms for vulnerable migrant populations.
