Leaders in Kisumu County have joined an urgent blood donation drive to support survivors of Friday’s Mamboleo road crash, which claimed 26 lives and left an equal number hospitalised.
The accident, which occurred at the Coptic area along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway, left many survivors with injuries requiring surgery.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is leading the emergency response. Additional medical facilities in the city are being mobilised to manage the high number of operations.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Olunga said arrangements have been made to ensure all surgeries are completed promptly.
“Every patient requires a different form of surgery. We are working with two or three hospitals to ensure all operations are completed on time,” he said, urging residents to donate blood.
On Saturday, Solomon Amuti, political advisor to Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, arrived at JOOTRH with more than 20 volunteers to donate blood. He said more people were on their way.
“This is about saving lives. These survivors are set to undergo surgeries, and blood is one of the most urgent needs right now,” Amuti said. His team is also assessing other assistance needed by the victims and their families.
Pauline Akwacha from the Kisumu County Chamber of Commerce called for urgent road safety measures, describing Coptic Road as a “recurring hazard.”
“This tragedy demands immediate redesign of the road. The safety of Coptic Road must be treated as an emergency to prevent further loss of life,” she said.
Nominated MCA Miriam Abeid stressed that support should extend beyond medical care.
“Beyond treatment, these families need psychosocial and, in some cases, economic assistance. Recovery from such a tragedy is long and difficult,” she noted.
Local politician Edward Onyango mobilized residents to donate blood, while Kisumu resident James Oyamo urged the public to act quickly.
“I heeded the public appeal for blood donation to assist victims of yesterday’s Coptic accident. If you get time, pass by JOOTRH and donate blood, it will save lives,” he said.
Blood donations at JOOTRH continued late Saturday, with medics urging more residents to come forward and help save lives.