Passaris wishes Tanzanian MPs involved in accident a speedy recovery

Nairobi Women’s Representative Esther Passaris has wished a speedy recovery to Tanzanian MPs involved in an accident.

The MPs were traveling to Mombasa to attend the East African Community (EAC) inter-parliamentary sports games when their bus was involved in an accident.

The Nairobi women’s representative said she was saddened by the news of the accident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured deputies as they receive medical treatment. We wish them a speedy and complete recovery and we hope to warmly welcome them to Mombasa soon. In this difficult time, we stand together,” Passaris said.

The bus is said to have collided head-on with a truck in the Mbande area, Kongwa district in the Dodoma region.

The preliminary police investigation revealed that the bus driver failed to exercise caution when overtaking, which led to the collision.

At least 19 injuries have been confirmed, including 16 parliamentarians, two parliamentary staff and the bus driver.

They are currently being treated at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital and Uhuru Hospital in Tanzania.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, prayed for their recovery.

“The injured MPs were rushed to hospital and are receiving treatment. We wish a speedy recovery to those who suffered various injuries,” Wetang’ula said.

“You will get better information once you arrive in Mombasa and this team of executives involved in the management of the games will be able to assess you.”

EAC matches began on Friday, December 6 and will continue until Wednesday, December 18.

Around six venues will be used for matches and more training venues will be identified for the eight sporting disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, darts, athletics, shooting rope and golf.

Venues for the games include the Mbaraki Stadium, which is currently being renovated, the Aga Khan Academy, KPA Makande Hall, Nyali Golf Club and Shanzu Teachers Training College.

Mbaraki Stadium will host football, athletics and tug of war, like Shanzu TTC.

The Aga Khan Academy will host netball, volleyball, basketball and darts for people with disabilities, as will the KPA Makande Hall.

Golf will be played at Nyali Golf Club.

Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and host country Kenya have confirmed their participation in the games which are now in their 14th edition.