The Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu, which is one of the deadliest blackspots in the region, is finally demolished and will be redesigned — coming just days after unknown individuals vandalised the road infrastructure under cover of darkness.

By Saturday morning, China Railway Tenth Group (CREC No. 10), a subsidiary of China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), was on-site to begin official demolition ahead of rebuilding the road section.

The project was commissioned by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), which awarded the contract as part of urgent efforts to realign the junction and avert further tragedies. The latest accident on Friday August 8 killed 26 people. 

Martin Kizito, the project’s foreman, confirmed that the scope of work involves dismantling the existing roundabout and redesigning the intersection.

On Sunday afternoon, as bulldozers advanced and dust rose over the road, a solemn procession approached from St Peter’s Manyatta Legion Maria. Faithful congregants gathered at the site, holding prayers and sprinkling holy water to cleanse what they believe has become a cursed place.

Father Ibrahim Wasonga, who led the prayers, explained that his church had come to dispel evil spirits.

“We have lost many lives here. As a church, we felt compelled to come and dispel the evil spirits believed to dwell at this roundabout. We have prayed for divine intervention so that no more blood is shed. We invite other churches to join us in sustained prayer for safety,” he said.

The abrupt destruction of the roundabout, reportedly by unknown individuals on Friday night sparked a political stir, with local leaders each claiming credit for the action.

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda insists he played a role in prompting the response following the latest bus tragedy in Nyakach.

“Everyone is talking — Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu — but let me make it clear: I was the one who called the Minister for Roads when I heard about the accident. I made the first call,” said Prof Ojienda.

Nonetheless, he extended his appreciation to fellow leaders for their swift involvement.

“I thank MP Buyu for supervising the work during the wee hours,” he added.

On her part, Ms Buyu, the MP for Kisumu West Constituency, also claimed credit for destroying the roundabout overnight before the Chinese firm stepped in. 

“MP Owuor was tied up elsewhere, so I had to step in. I spent the night at the roundabout, supervising its removal to ensure that what happened to the people of Nyakach never happens again,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Nyanza Regional Commissioner Florence Mworoa confirmed that emergency funds have been allocated to rebuild the section. 

“Since Wednesday, engineers have been on site conducting assessments…Engineer Julius Mak’Odero (KeNHA Nyanza Region Director) confirmed to me that funds are in place for this urgent work. It is our hope this marks the end of needless loss,” she said.

Between August 30, 2022, and August 8, 2025, the Coptic Roundabout has been linked to at least 35 fatalities, according to data compiled by the Nation. 

On August 30, 2022, a truck lost control and ploughed into pedestrians, killing three on the spot. On April 1, 2024, an Easy Coach bus ferrying Chavakali Boys High School students crashed at the roundabout, killing one student and injuring several others.

Just three months later, on July 3, 2024, a lorry overturned at the same spot, killing three people instantly and bringing traffic to a standstill for hours. On July 15, 2024, an Uzima University bus overturned nearby, killing one and injuring several others.