Migori: Residents in Awendo want cane tractors barred from operating at night

A section of residents in Awendo, Migori County have decried a spike in cases of road accidents involving cane tractors.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, residents called on the relevant bodies to address the matter urgently.

"We have seen a rise in cases of accidents in this area. Most of the accidents are as a result of cane tractors operating at night," a resident said.

The calls come barely two days after a rider was killed in an accident that involved a stationary cane hauling tractor along Awendo-Mariwa road.

Led by former councilor Martin Ondong, locals said the tractors have become a death trap, with the most affected being bodaboda riders.

"Some of the tractors operating at night do not have headlights. Their drivers do not wear reflector jackets," Ondong said.

Residents added that besides operating at night, the tractors are parked carelessly in case they develop mechanical issues.

"This exposes road users to dangers such as road accidents," they added.

Ondong said the government had previously directed that the cane tractors close shop by sunset.

"Going by that directive, the tractors were to resume operations at 6 am. However, this has not been adhered to," residents lamented.