Kisumu Crash Claims 25 from the Obange Family

25 Deaths – A Family Torn Apart

In what is being described as one of the most catastrophic road accidents in recent years, 25 members of the same extended family perished instantly or succumbed to injuries shortly after the crash. The victims, some of them children, were part of a family convoy returning from a social gathering. The magnitude of loss — so many relatives gone at once — has left the Obange family in unimaginable anguish.

The deceased were not just statistics; they were siblings, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandchildren. This single event has created multiple orphaned children, shattered households, and an irreplaceable void in a family known for its strong community ties in Kisumu County and beyond.

 29 Survivors – Battling for Life at JOOTRH

Alongside the fatalities, 29 other people sustained serious injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma. They were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Kisumu’s largest medical facility.

Doctors have described the situation as critical, with several survivors still in intensive care. The hospital has appealed for blood donations, wheelchairs, and support equipment, underscoring the scale of the medical emergency. Volunteers, medics, and well-wishers have been working round the clock to ensure survivors have the best chance of recovery.

 2 Prominent Figures in Mourning

The tragedy directly affects two prominent Kenyan figures:

• Maj. (Rtd) Solomon Obange – Former Head of Security at the Parliament of Kenya, respected for his discipline, patriotism, and service record.

• Dr. Dick Obange – Senior academic at Maseno University, known for his work in public health and community outreach.

For these two men, the loss is both deeply personal and painfully public. Their grief has resonated across the country, with colleagues, friends, and public figures offering their condolences.

 1 Crash Site – Coptic Roundabout

The Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu is a busy intersection that has long been flagged by residents as dangerous due to poor traffic control, uneven road design, and frequent congestion. Witnesses say the crash occurred when a heavy vehicle lost control, colliding with multiple passenger vans and private cars carrying members of the Obange family.

Photographs from the scene show crumpled metal, shattered glass, and personal belongings scattered across the tarmac. The sheer force of impact has raised questions about speed regulation, vehicle roadworthiness, and the enforcement of traffic safety laws in Kenya.

 National Mourning – A Country in Shock

From the moment news broke, Kenyans across social media platforms expressed disbelief and heartbreak. Leaders from different political divides — including governors, MPs, and Cabinet Secretaries — sent messages of sympathy to the Obange family.

Religious leaders have also joined in, calling for prayers and comfort for the bereaved while urging the government to take concrete steps to prevent similar tragedies. The story has dominated national headlines, overshadowing political news and sports updates as Kenyans grapple with the enormity of the loss.

 Coordinated Response – Government & County Unite

The Kisumu County Government, together with the National Government, has activated emergency response mechanisms. This includes free medical treatment for the injured, counselling services for grieving relatives, and logistical support for funeral arrangements.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, in a public statement, assured the Obange family of “full government support during this period of intense grief” and promised infrastructural reviews to enhance safety at high-risk intersections.

 Round-the-Clock Medical Care

At JOOTRH, medical teams are working without rest. Surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and trauma counsellors are all engaged in caring for the 29 survivors.

Dr. Peter Okoth, JOOTRH’s CEO, said:

“This is one of the largest single-family accident cases we’ve ever handled. We are doing everything possible to save lives and restore dignity to the victims.”

The hospital’s mortuary has also been overwhelmed, prompting appeals for refrigerated storage support from neighbouring facilities.

 Solidarity Messages – Comfort in the Midst of Pain

Messages of comfort have poured in from Kenyans at home and abroad. Social media timelines are filled with tributes, candle-lighting photos, and messages urging resilience.

Neighbouring families have been providing meals, water, and shelter to relatives travelling from other counties to mourn with the Obange family. Several churches in Kisumu have scheduled prayer vigils in solidarity with the grieving community.

Collective Grief – A Nation Stands with the Obange Family

The Kisumu crash is more than a local tragedy; it is a national wound. The sheer number of lives lost in a single family makes it one of the most painful stories Kenya has faced in years.

From the highest offices of government to the humblest of homes, Kenyans are pausing to reflect on the fragility of life, the importance of road safety, and the power of community in times of crisis.

As funeral arrangements get underway, the Obange family is surrounded by love, prayers, and support from every corner of the country. In the words of one mourner:

“We may not be able to undo this tragedy, but we can stand together so that no one carries this burden alone.”