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Popular blogger predicted Naivasha accident, but no one listened

By DAVID KWALIMWA December 11th, 2016 1 min read

An online activist had predicted Saturday’s deadly accident in Naivasha, which has so far claimed the lives of 40 people, in a post on Facebook nine months ago.

The accident occurred after a truck driver ferrying inflammable substances rammed into 11 vehicles before bursting into flames on the Nairobi – Naivasha highway.

It is now emerging that the horrific accident could have been avoided had authorities heeded the advice of Wahome Thuku, a popular blogger and former journalist – who saw it coming back in February.

Mr Thuku, who mainly comments on political and topical issues, had taken to his official Facebook page and warned the public on the dangers of the newly erected bumps on a hill without proper signage on the stretch where the accident happened.

He also warned of the public to “expect a horrible accident” at the spot.

PHOTO | SCREENSHOT
PHOTO | SCREENSHOT

Transport principal secretary however told a media briefing on Sunday that the bumps were erected after residents in the area raised concerns on the safety of the stretch, and had threatened to erect their own bumps.

“What we are investigating the designs of the bumps, the status of the driver, the status of the vehicle and several other possibilities,” Transport PS Irungu Nyakera.