A dramatic debate has emerged online after lawyer and political commentator Wahome Thuku publicly praised the driver of a CLIMAX bus involved in the tragic accident that claimed Cyrus Jirongo's life.
In a strongly worded statement, Thuku described the driver as his “hero of the year,” arguing that the man made a split second decision that saved dozens of lives.
According to eyewitness accounts from after the crash, the bus was carrying about 65 passengers when an oncoming Mercedes crossed into its path.
Thuku said instead of veering off the road in an evasive action likely to have resulted in either a head on collision in an uncontrolled manner or to run over the edge of the road, the driver held his lane and absorbed the impact in a controlled manner.
Thuku’s view was that it was such a decision that minimized the casualties and saved them from a far worse tragedy.
While sharply regretting the painful loss of Jirongo, Thuku insisted that instead of condemnation, professionalism, calm judgment under extreme pressure and prioritizing the safety of majority by the driver were in order.
He argued that road accidents often involve impossible choices and in this case, the driver prioritized the safety of the majority.
The comments have elicited different reactions, with some Kenyans agreeing that the driver acted heroically, while others think that it is insensitive to praise anybody after a fatal crash.
Even so, the incident has reignited conversations about road safety, driver training and the heavy responsibility public transport drivers carry every day.
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