Police is hunting for a commuter taxi driver who knocked dead four Kenyan pilgrims from Bungoma whereas four others sustained injuries after he lost control and rammed into the group of about 100 pilgrims at Bugodi Village along the Iganga-Jinja highway on Sunday Morning.
The officer-in-charge of traffic at Magamaga Police Station, Beatrice Apiny attributes the accident to reckless driving, explaining that the driver of the taxi registration UBD 680W was driving at break-neck speed yet it was still dark and raining.
Apiny identified the deceased as Joselyn Wanjala and Sarah Ajambo on spot, while Pelivin Malinde and Geofrey Ogaga were pronounced dead on arrival at Iganga Hospital. Others seeking treatment at Iganga Hospital include John Okoth, Joseph Lusenyu, Kelvin Akira and Gladesi Eduti.
Those seeking treatment at Iganga Hospital include John Okoth, Joseph Lusenyu, Kelvin Akira and Gladesi Eduti.
She added that after ramming into the pilgrims, the vehicle lost control, crossed the road and came to a sudden stop in a nearby banana plantation.
Peter Asota, who led the pilgrims from Bungoma Diocese, said that the accident was intentional. The pilgrims are said to have started walking from Lakiri Catholic Parish in Bungoma Diocese on May 15.
“We were walking on the side of the road with two reflecting Kenyan flags hoisted up; he saw us because we were knocked from a road reserve,” Asota, overcome by emotions, said.
Asked whether they would proceed to Namugongo, Asota said; ”The reason why we can’t stop here is because we need to fulfill the desire of our hearts like the Uganda martyrs did”.
“We are going to pray for peace in our country, in South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi,” he added.
