Traders at Gakoromone market in Meru town have been left in shock after a vehicle lost control and rammed into roadside market traders, injuring five people in the process.
The incident occurred in the afternoon as traders were busy selling their merchandise at the busy market.
Witnesses say the vehicle, which was slowly navigating through the vibrant market, suddenly veered off the road and ploughed through the women selling their goods by the roadside.
Speaking at the scene, Charles Mwiti, a trader at the market, recounted the incident, stating that the vehicle had not shown any sign of mechanical problem before it suddenly accelerated veering off the road, hitting another vehicle and running over a group of traders.
“A vehicle was passing here slowly but when it stepped on this road it suddenly lost control, hit an approaching vehicle before veering off the road and hitting the women who were selling their commodities here. Five people have been seriously injured,” said Charles.
The traders have termed congestion at the market as a major factor contributing to the accident.
They said that traders, motorbikes, and vehicles are all forced to operate within a small space, creating daily risks for traders who often crowd near the road to sell their merchandise.
Caroline Karimi, a local trader in the market called on the county government to intervene, citing that the market has become too congested for safe operation.
“The main problem we have here is that the market is seriously congested. Now the vehicles and motorbikes have to compete for space here leading to injuries in case of accidents. We appeal to our Governor to help make this space safe for all of us by even adding bollards,” she said.
Similar sentiments were shared by nearby jua kali artisans, who noted that the accident was not the first to happen within the market in recent years.
He warned that it may not be the last if caution isn’t taken.
They urged the county administration to either expand the market or allocate an alternative trading ground where traders can work without the fear of being hit by vehicles in case of accidents.
Market leaders led by Paul Kailemia who helped coordinate emergency response said some of the injured had difficulty accessing treatment due to failure to register for insurance.
They emphasized the need for all traders to enroll in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“Some of those injured did not have SHIF, which delayed the admission process. We’re encouraging our members to register so that they are covered in such situations,” said Kailemia.
The vehicle was towed to the Meru Police station pending further investigation.
The Police are yet to issue an official statement over the matter.
The five injured traders were rushed to Meru Level Five Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The national government has already announced plans to elevate the the market to an ultra modern facility at a cost of Sh 800 million.
