Unknown individuals demolished the Coptic Roundabout on the Kisumu-Kakamega Road early Saturday morning, raising questions about road safety and public trust. Many view the act as an attempt to remove the roundabout entirely, following frequent accidents linked to its design.
The roundabout has been a known black spot for accidents. A recent crash claimed the lives of 26 people from the same clan and injured another 28. The victims were returning from a funeral in Nyahera when their bus was involved in a tragic accident last Friday.
The vandalism at the roundabout occurred around 2 am on the same day that 22 of the accident victims were being laid to rest in a mass burial in Naki, Nyakach. The timing and context of the demolition have sparked outrage and concern from locals and authorities alike.
Some claimed that the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) had authorized the demolition. However, Nyanza Regional Director Engineer Julius MacβOdero denied this. He told Nation that the action was neither sanctioned by his office nor by the Authority.
βThis action was not sanctioned by us. This is not only criminal in nature but reckless and endangering peopleβs lives. We are trying to find out who did it because it has complicated the issue even furtherβworse still, it was done at night,β he said.
Mr. MacβOdero said Kenha had immediately dispatched a team to the site to assess the destruction and put in mitigation measures to secure the area. βWe have to secure the area immediately and put in some mitigation measures before darkness falls, because as it stands, it is dangerous for motorists plying that route,β he explained.
He also stressed that the public should trust the professionals working on the road. βWe are actually undertaking a study to review this section of the road. The public should not lose confidence in us as professionals. The design is okay, but not set in stone. We are looking at emerging issues to find a long-lasting solution,β he added.
The debate over the design of the Coptic Roundabout has been ongoing. Locals argue that heavy-duty vehicles, especially trucks and buses, struggle to navigate the bend safely. Many accidents have occurred over the years, leading residents and experts to call for a redesign to prevent further loss of life.
Kisumu Governor Anyangβ Nyongβo said he is already in talks with the national government to redesign the road. βEven when not speeding, vehicles find it impossible to negotiate the roundabout,β he said, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Despite public outcry, Kenha maintains that removing the roundabout is not the safest solution. The current design meets required standards, including three lanes that provide a larger turning radius for vehicles. Kenha has also introduced signs, road markings, and rumble strips to control vehicle speed and improve safety. Adding more bumps, according to the Authority, could reduce the level of service for road users and increase the risk of accidents, particularly for trucks and buses.
Mr. MacβOdero warned that public intervention in road infrastructure, such as this demolition, can create more danger than it solves. βWhile we appreciate the challenges on the road, no one is allowed to cut the road apart from us, as we know how to do it professionally and take all the safety precautions,β he said. Authorities are now investigating the identities of the people who carried out the destruction. So far, no arrests have been made.
The demolition has drawn attention to the persistent tension between public safety concerns and professional road design standards. While residents want immediate action to prevent further accidents, authorities are asking for patience as they review long-term solutions. Removing the roundabout without proper planning could result in higher speeds on the road, putting oncoming traffic and other road users at greater risk.
Kenha officials say the design is under review and that they are studying how best to address emerging issues. They are committed to finding solutions that balance safety, usability, and infrastructure integrity. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the victims of the recent crash, and the destruction of the roundabout has intensified calls for urgent, professional intervention.
Featured image via Screengrab