DPP Noordin Haji has directed @JBoinnet to carry out further investigations relating to the insurance company & body builder of the ill fated bus which rolled at Fort Ternan, Kericho killing 58 people and injuring several others on 10/10/18#KerichoAccident pic.twitter.com/RWjPnS7vzi
— ODPP_KE (@ODPP_KE) November 8, 2018
While the crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles started on Monday and is expected to intensify next week starting November 12th, Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji has now directed the police to carry out further investigations into the insurance company and the body builder of the bus that killed over 50 people in the tragic Fort Ternan road accident in October.
“I further direct that investigations be carried on; the insurance company to ascertain why they insured the motor vehicle despite the obvious ‘defaults’ of the bus and also whether the insurance company is financially sound to meet its obligations,” says DPP Haji. “Whether the body builder built the bus as per the specifications,” read a memo by Mr. Haji to the Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet.
According to the DPP, this information will provide insight as to whether the bus was built as per the specifications and give a holistic approach to the investigations and ensure deterrence.
After the tragic accident, two people, Bernard Ishindu, owner of the Home Boys bus registered under Western express Sacco and Cleophas Shimanyula were arrested and charged.
Mr Bernard Isindu Shitiabayi appeared before a Molo court and denied charges of operating the bus without a speed governor, operating it at night without travel licence contrary to section 11(1) of the NTSA Act of 2013 and failing to register the names of the driver and the conductor of the killer bus contrary to Traffic Act.
Mr Cleophas Shimanyula, an agent of the Sacco was accused of failing to register the names of the driver and conductor as required by law. The two appeared in court on October 22, 2018, where they denied the charges and were released on cash bail of Ksh. 1 million.
After the Fort Ternan accident on October 10, 2018, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia and his Interior Counterpart Fred Matiang’i announced the enforcement of “Michuki rules” following a rise in the number of road accidents.
According to the two Ministers, the rules introduced by the late John Michuki will be enforced yet again, this time with more ruthlessness.
The notice given to public service vehicles demands that matatus be fitted with speed governors, safety belts and painted with a yellow line. In addition, all PSV drivers and conductors will be required to wear uniforms and badges and display their photos in the vehicles.
The hearing of the Fort Ternan accident case is scheduled for November 28, 2018.
Do you think the government is serious about road safety or is the planned crackdown just a threat that will soon die down?