By Robert Mutasi 
An official of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has died following a road crash along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway that claimed several lives and left others injured.
Betty Rotich died after the accident on the night of July 3 while traveling to Eldoret after attending a mental wellness workshop for IEBC staff at Sawela Lodges in Naivasha, according to her family.
The crash occurred at the Nyanja area on the busy highway when a trailer ascending the slope reportedly veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a matatu belonging to Eldoret Crossroad Sacco.
Authorities said five people died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Five passengers survived with injuries and were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Rotich’s sister, Edna Rotich, confirmed the family’s loss in a statement shared on social media.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved sister, Betty Rotich, who went to be with the Lord on the night of July 3, 2026, following a tragic road accident on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway,” she said.
Her brother, Caleb Rotich, recounted the family’s desperate search after losing contact with her on the evening of the accident.
He said relatives last communicated with Betty at about 8 p.m. before repeated calls the following day were answered by a man who informed them that the phone’s owner had been involved in a road accident and taken to Londiani Sub-County Hospital.
The family later traveled to the hospital mortuary, where they identified her body.
“We came to Londiani Hospital Mortuary and identified the body. She broke her legs and injured her head and the entire face,” Caleb said.
He also expressed concern over the recurring deadly crashes along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, recalling that he had witnessed another fatal accident at the same location nearly three years earlier.
The family described Betty as a dedicated public servant whose sudden death has left relatives, friends and colleagues devastated.
Edna Rotich said family members and friends had begun gathering at their parents’ home in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, as funeral arrangements get underway.
The body has since been transferred to Eldoret for preservation.Leaders joined the family in mourning the IEBC official.
Moiben Member of Parliament Phylis Bartoo described Rotich’s death as a painful loss to both the family and the wider community.
“This is a painful and devastating loss to the family and the entire community. Betty’s kindness, warmth and friendship will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” Bartoo said in a condolence message.
“During this difficult time, may God grant you strength, comfort and peace as you come to terms with this great loss. We stand with you in prayer and solidarity. May the soul of Betty Rotich rest in eternal peace.”
The tragedy has renewed concerns over road safety along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors, where serious crashes involving passenger vehicles and heavy commercial trucks have become increasingly common.
Following the accident, Caleb Rotich urged the government to fast-track the expansion of the Rironi-Malaba Highway, saying a dual carriageway would help ease congestion, reduce dangerous overtaking and improve road safety.
Police continue investigating the circumstances that led to the collision.