Family of man killed in crash involving CS Duale convoy cries for justice
Beatrice Longin, mother of the late Hillary Kiptoo (inset) during an interview with Nation.
A family in Kiminini Sub-County of Trans-Nzoia is demanding justice for their 23-year-old son who was killed in a tragic accident involving a vehicle in Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s convoy in Kisumu early this month.
Three weeks on, Hillary Kiptoo Longi’s body remains in a morgue with his family lamenting the slow pace of investigation and lack of government support.
The accident occurred on the evening of March 8, at Otonglo area on the Kisumu-Busia highway, when a Prado from CS Duale’s convoy collided with a tuk-tuk ferrying passengers. Three people died in the crash, including Kiptoo. The vehicles involved were a Ministry of Health Prado (KCS 006B / GKB 542 U) and a tuk-tuk Piaggio (KTWQ 805P).
It has since emerged that Kiptoo, a Form Four leaver, had deferred university admission due to financial constraints.
His distraught family says they have yet to receive any support or updates from the government regarding the investigation into their son’s death.
The only support they have received so far came from Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, who helped transport the body from Kisumu to Kiminini Cottage Hospital. Beyond that, the family says they are stranded.
Three weeks later, his body remains in Kiminini town, awaiting burial.
“I was called and informed that he had been involved in an accident. When I rushed to the hospital in Kisumu, he had already been pronounced dead. He had serious chest and head injuries and his legs were broken,” his brother Abel Longin, told the Nation at their Kiminini home.
The family is now seeking an audience with the government to arrange a proper send-off for their son and secure compensation for their loss.
The devastated parents expressed shock at losing a son in whom they had placed so much hope, despite the challenges he faced in pursuing his education.
“It is very sad for us. We were very shocked to hear the news of his sudden death,” his father, Joseph Longin, said. He explained that he first learned of the tragedy from his elder son, Abel, who had been informed by a relative in Kisumu.
Justice and compensation
Mr Longin said he had sold part of his land to educate his children and is now devastated, unable to afford Kiptoo’s burial.
“It is heartbreaking and painful that he has died at such a young age, just as he was preparing to join university,” he added, describing his son as humble, hardworking, and full of promise.
His mother Beatrice Wamukota said the family is still coming to terms with their loss and called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and secure compensation.
“He had so many plans for the future. His decision to work before joining university showed his dedication and humility,” Ms Wamukota said. She urged relevant authorities to probe the circumstances of her son’s death and provide compensation.
“Just like the victims of the recent Webuye accident received support, we are asking the government to assist us and ensure justice,” she added.
Family and friends are pressing for accountability. Relatives Henry Kinisu and Justus Mwongolo said it was unfortunate that investigations have stalled, leaving the young man’s body in the morgue.
“We are deeply affected because we do not have funds to give him a proper send-off. All we hope is that the family gets justice,” Mr Kinisu said.
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