The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Franklin Bett, the former Minister for Roads, has stepped forward to defend Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen amidst the increasing number of accidents in the nation. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Bett urged Kenyans to refrain from solely blaming Murkomen for the prevailing road carnage and instead, to acknowledge their own accountability.
“As a former minister for roads, I continue to hear accusations directed at Murkomen for the accidents. We need to redirect our anger to the right places,” remarked Bett.
He cited a recent accident in Kericho as an example, emphasizing that such incidents are predominantly caused by the behavior of the drivers themselves rather than any oversight on Murkomen’s part.
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Bett highlighted the deteriorating driving standards among Kenyan motorists, noting a lack of courtesy, adherence to traffic regulations, and caution, particularly evident during adverse weather conditions.
“Why should we hold the minister for roads responsible when individuals drive recklessly, disregarding basic road etiquette and rules, especially during this rainy season?” questioned Bett.
Drawing comparisons with countries like Australia and America where accidents are fewer due to strict adherence to traffic rules, Bett underscored the need for a shift in mindset among Kenyan drivers.
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He also criticized passengers for boarding already overcrowded vehicles, jeopardizing their safety in the process, and contributing to the accident statistics.
Moreover, Bett addressed the pervasive culture of bribery on the roads, attributing it to the actions of road users themselves. Despite the majority claiming to be adherents of Christianity, Bett lamented the tendency to offer bribes to law enforcement officers, facilitating a culture of impunity.
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NTSA’s recent data revealed a worrying trend, with 7,198 Kenyans involved in accidents since the beginning of the year, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. The statistics indicate 1,189 fatalities, 3,316 serious injuries, and 2,693 minor injuries from January 1 to April 1.
Bett’s remarks shed light on the complex dynamics contributing to road accidents in Kenya, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and behavioral change among all road users.
