Two people, including a boda boda operator and a woman, have been killed after a vehicle suspected to have been transporting smuggled sugar struck them while fleeing from police in Busia town.
The incident occurred at around 6 a.m. at the Total area, where the vehicle was reportedly being pursued by police officers.
According to eyewitnesses, the small vehicle was transporting contraband sugar from Busia town towards Korinda when the driver made a sudden turn, apparently attempting to join the Malaba road.
In the process, the vehicle struck two boda boda operators and a woman, leaving two people dead at the scene.
Another victim sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The accident sparked anger among residents, who accused police officers in Busia of failing to contain the persistent smuggling trade and the dangerous manner in which suspected smugglers operate on local roads.
Residents said vehicles transporting contraband goods often speed through the town and disregard traffic regulations, putting other road users at risk.
They further blamed the repeated incidents on what they described as inadequate enforcement against traders involved in the illegal transportation of goods, warning that innocent road users continue to bear the consequences.
The residents called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and take firm action against those using public roads to transport smuggled goods while endangering lives.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about road safety in Busia, particularly regarding vehicles allegedly transporting contraband while attempting to evade law enforcement officers.
Residents are now demanding stronger measures to curb the trade and prevent further loss of lives on the roads.
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Residents also urged the county and national governments to work together to address the smuggling menace, saying enforcement efforts should go beyond occasional road operations to include action against the networks that facilitate the transportation and distribution of contraband goods.
