By Violet Auma || violetmedia8@gmail.com
Residents of Lugari, Kakamega County, turned a train accident into a moment of celebration after a cargo train derailed in Munyuki, Lumakanda Ward, spilling tons of wheat.
The accident, which occurred yesterday evening, saw ten wagons come off the tracks after the train’s rear wheels detached.
Eyewitnesses David Juma and Warren Weloba, who were working on a nearby farm, said they heard a loud bang before rushing to the scene.
“I was tilling my farm when I saw one of the train’s wheels come off. I tried signaling the driver to slow down, but it was in vain. The next thing I heard was a loud bang,” Juma narrated.
As soon as word spread, locals arrived in large numbers, carrying bags and buckets to collect the spilled wheat. Many saw it as an unexpected windfall, especially given the high cost of food.
However, their excitement was short-lived as police officers swiftly arrived to stop further looting and secure the area.
Some residents expressed frustration, questioning why they were being denied access to the wheat.
“I rushed here to collect some wheat, but the police are now restraining us. We are not stealing, it’s an accident. I don’t know what my children will eat today; they should allow us,” one woman lamented.
Others referenced President William Ruto’s recent announcement about procuring a chapati-making machine capable of producing one million chapatis daily for Nairobi students.
“The president promised us chapatis, and here they are! We are happy,” another resident exclaimed.
“The accident has brought chapatis to our doorstep, so we should be allowed to take the wheat home,” one remarked.
Another added, “Now that we have the wheat, we urge President Ruto to bring us cooking oil so that we can also have chapatis.”
Locals blamed the accident on the poor maintenance of the railway, saying it had not been repaired for years, making it increasingly risky for those living nearby.
