By REUBEN OLITA
JUNE 5, 2026| Police in Bungoma County have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of retired sugar sector procurement officer and businessman Alfred Anyara Etyang (pictured), who was killed in a road accident on Tuesday evening.
Etyang died on the spot after the vehicle he was driving was involved in a collision with a container truck at Kimwanga near Camel View Academy along the Bungoma-Malaba road at about 7 p.m.
Bungoma Deputy Traffic Base Commander Simon Irungu said police had commenced investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the crash and trace the truck involved.
“We have launched investigations into the accident involving a saloon car and a container truck at Kimwanga. The identity of the truck driver remains unknown and the vehicle has not yet been traced,” said Irungu.
He appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the accident or have information about the truck to assist investigators.
“We currently have no details regarding the truck involved in the accident. We are still in the dark and hope anyone with information can come forward to help us trace the vehicle and its driver,” he added.
Kimwanga Tabala Boda Boda Stage chairman Job Simiyu said heavy rainfall at the time of the accident may have hampered efforts by witnesses to identify the truck.
“It was raining heavily when the accident occurred, making it difficult for boda boda riders and other road users to clearly observe what happened,” said Simiyu.
According to preliminary reports, the truck’s container struck Etyang’s vehicle, crushing it and trapping him inside. By the time police officers arrived at the scene, he had succumbed to his injuries. Witness accounts remain limited due to 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 industries. 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 the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) based in Zambia, and a 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 Kocholia business community, 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 the difficult period.
Police said investigations into the accident are ongoing.