Tragic Collision Sparks Outrage on Mwea-Embu Highway
A devastating accident on the Mwea-Embu Highway in Kirinyaga County has left a boda boda rider dead, igniting outrage among residents and culminating in the fiery destruction of a miraa pickup truck. The crash occurred at Kianjiru near Kianjiru Trading Centre when a speeding pickup truck transporting miraa collided with the rider’s motorcycle. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle, en route from Meru to Nairobi, dragged the motorcycle for several meters before coming to a stop.
Residents Retaliate with Fire
Following the collision, the driver and his passenger narrowly escaped as enraged locals from Kianjiru and nearby areas set the miraa truck ablaze. Peter Macharia, an eyewitness, described the collision as “severe and horrifying,” with visible signs of anger and frustration among the crowd.
“The driver dragged the rider for several meters along the highway. It was shocking,” said Macharia.
Police Overwhelmed by Crowd
Traffic police from Wanguru Police Station arrived at the scene but could not control the irate crowd. Mary Wambui, a local resident, remarked, “The police are powerless against the fury of this mob.”
The incident disrupted traffic for over two hours, leaving commuters stranded as vehicles were unable to pass through the blocked highway.
Recurring Accidents Fuel Public Outrage
The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter road safety measures. According to local residents, the same pickup truck was allegedly involved in a previous accident that killed two children in Ngurubani Town weeks earlier.
“This is not the first time we’re losing someone to reckless driving by miraa vehicles,” said Joseph Wanjohi, a local resident.
David Irungu, chairman of the boda boda operators in Kimbimbi Trading Centre, confirmed the deceased was a fellow rider and expressed grief over the loss. “Our community has been robbed of yet another life. We need stricter enforcement of road safety laws,” Irungu stated.
Demand for Action
Residents are now urging the government to impose tougher regulations on miraa transport vehicles, citing their frequent involvement in fatal accidents.
“The government must address this growing menace. High-speed miraa vehicles should not be allowed to endanger lives in our communities,” one resident demanded.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about road safety and the need for urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies.
