By Reuben Olita
Police in Bungoma County have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of retired sugar sector procurement officer Alfred Anyara Etyang, who died in a road accident on Tuesday evening.
Etyang, a respected businessman and retired senior procurement officer in the sugar industry, died on the spot after the vehicle he was driving was involved in a collision with a long-distance container hit the car he was driving at Kimwanga near Camel View Academy at around 7:00 p.m.
pp
Bungoma Deputy Traffic Base Commander Simon Irungu said police are launched investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal crash and identify the truck involved.
“We have launched investigations to unravel the mystery surrounding the accident involving the car and a container truck at Kimwanga. The identity of the truck driver remains scanty, and the vehicle has not yet been traced,” said Irungu.
He noted that investigators have not obtained details of the truck and appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the accident or have information about the vehicle to come forward and assist police with investigations.
“No details regarding the truck involved in the accident are currently available. We are still in the dark and hoping someone will volunteer information that can help us trace the vehicle and its driver,” he added on phone.
Chairman of Kimwanga Tabala Boda Boda Stage, Job Simiyu, said the heavy rainfall experienced at the time of the accident may have hampered efforts to identify the truck.
“It was raining heavily when the accident occurred, making it difficult for boda boda riders and other road users to observe what exactly happened,” said Simiyu.
According to sources, the truck’s container his Etyang’s vehicle, crushing it and trapping him inside. By the time police officers arrived at the scene, he had already succumbed to his injuries. Witness accounts remain limited due to the poor visibility caused by the downpour.
The deceased’s brother, former diplomat Levy Emurgat, said Etyang had travelled from Amagoro to Bungoma earlier in the day to service his vehicle and was returning home when the fatal accident occurred.
Etyang had a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in Kenya’s horticulture and sugar sectors. He worked with the Horticultural Development Authority between 1976 and 1981 before joining Sony Sugar, where he served from 1981 to 1989. He later joined Busia Sugar Company, serving from 1990 until his retirement in 2010.
He was the father of Dr. Oita Etyang, Director of Conflict Management at COMESA based in Zambia, and brother to retired High Court Judge Justice Matthew Anyara Emukule.
Meanwhile, members of the business community in Kocholia have continued to mourn his passing.
In a condolence message, businessman John Imai described Etyang as a humble, peaceful, and hardworking man who treated everyone with respect.
“On behalf of the business community of Kocholia, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of the ILOKA Clan following the death of Mzee Alfred Etyang. He was a respected businessman, a quiet and hardworking man who lived harmoniously with everyone. His sudden death is a great loss to the community,” said Imai.
He prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family during this difficult period.
Police investigations into the accident are ongoing.
