Hit and run accidents are increasingly becoming a major problem in the whole country and need to be looked into by concerned stakeholders to avoid these careless deaths which leave behind a lot of irreparable consequences. National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported that half of hit and run accidents take place in Kenya and more so, out of this number, a quarter of the drivers flee the scenes of accidents.
When any kind of accidents caused by vehicles occur, the law and personal responsibility, requires that the driver who has caused the mess stays at the scene, if a victim is injured he should seek medical assistance and inform the police before resorting to anything else.
However, due to mob justice, many drivers get scared to do that which leads to loss of lives which could have been saved by following those simple steps. Sometimes time difference is what determines whether a victim will succumb to his injuries or not.
On, Saturday 10th, a somber mood was witnessed among residents of Nyakhobi village, Samia sub-county in Busia, during the send-off of one of their own, a Kenya police officer Oliver Kudoyi nicknamed ‘atomic’ by his late father due to his outspoken nature ever since he was two years old.
Oliver was reportedly knocked down by a driver while in Nairobi who then fled the scene leaving him dead.
Oliver, a young man, left behind a young beautiful wife, Faith Kudoyi and a son, Trevor who is around 8 years.
His wife described him as a good father and husband, who was very proud of his family and carried his son wherever he went which was evident in most photos on the funeral program where Oliver is seen in most photos carrying his son.
Trevor read a very heartfelt and emotional tribute to his father which brought everyone to tears. He said, “I wonder why the driver who knocked you down did not take you to hospital or go to the police. You took care of me and provided everything I needed. I miss you calling me ‘ATURE’ but I know that you will always be my guardian angel.”
Oliver’s is just one of the many cases; such are very saddening given that a family may be left without the bread winner just like that. Everyone should take a personal responsibility from their space, be it drivers, police, the government and even passengers to ensure the roads are safe.Lets make our roads safe and save lives by doing our part.