Two people died after a Nissan matatu rammed into a trailer along the busy Busia-Mumias highway on Saturday.
The 11a.m. accident in Olepito near Nambale left two passengers dead. One died on the spot while the other succumbed on the way to Busia County Referral hospital.
The victims were identified as Nambale Assistant County Commissioner Mary Kisaka and George Emaase, brother of Teso South MP Mary Emaase.
Busia Traffic Commandant Nelson Onuoga said, "We are investigating the cause of the accident."
Witnesses said it could be as a result of brake failure. They said the matatu was speeding and rammed into the truck, which had been stopped at a roadblock.
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Other passengers escaped with injuries and were rushed to hospital by Good Samaritans.
Irate residents engaged traffic officers in running battles, accusing them of taking bribes at the roadblock. The officers took to their heels and hid in nearby maize plantations as locals made away with the 'loot' they had allegedly collected in a paper bag.
Governor Sospeter Ojaamong visited the scene and addressed the charged crowd, promising them that the roadblock will be removed.
