Kakamega Law Courts has released Salat Gulie Maalim, the driver of a truck involved in an accident that killed 13 people on the Yala River Bridge in Iguhu, Ikolomani, Kakamega County.
Maalim was granted Sh100,000 bond or an alternative cash bail of Sh.50,000.
The driver appeared before Principal Magistrate James Masiga on Tuesday and denied 18 charges, including 13 counts of driving recklessly and causing disaster, causing permanent injuries to four people, and operating an uninspected vehicle.
“Accused plea of not guilty has been recorded by the court. He is therefore released on a bond of ksh.100,000 or cash bail of Sh.50,000, “said Masiga.
The Principal Magistrate fixed mention for January 22, 2025.
“The matter will be mentioned on January 22, 2025,” he said.
Prosecutor Moraa Atandi said the accused was a first-time offender and didn't object to the bond application.
Moraa told court that he served the accused with all the documentary materials that the prosecution intends to rely on during the case hearing.
“I have supplied the accused with all the necessary documents that we intend to rely on during the case hearing,” said the prosecutor.
The accident occurred on November 13, 2024, after the driver lost control of the truck and hit an embankment, veered off the road and rammed two vehicles.
Ikolomani OCPD James Makau said seven people died on the spot while three succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Iguhu Sub-County Hospital.
“The tanker was speeding from Kisumu heading to Kakamega when it hit a bump before it lost control and hit two oncoming matatu vehicles. Seven people died on the spot while three died while in various hospitals,” said Makau.
Police immediately launched a manhunt for the tanker driver who escaped after the accident.
Wilson Munase, a witness, said the oil tanker which was speeding, hit a bump before it rammed the two matatus.
“The driver of the oil tanker was speeding and it seems he did not see or know the presence of a bump which he hit and lost control before hitting the two Nissans which were traveling at a close range,” said Munase.
