Emotional send-off for two siblings killed by drunk matatu driver

Two young siblings who were killed when a matatu reportedly driven by a drunk driver hit them, were laid to rest on Tuesday, March 14 in an emotional send off.

During the burial at Ikuyu village near Maragua town in Murang'a County, a cross section of leaders called on the government to take deterrent measures against drivers of public service vehicles (PSVs) who go to work while drunk.

The two; Ian Mwangi Kamande,12, and his younger sister Precious Nyambura were pupils at Makongo Primary School in Gatanga Sub-County and were walking home when the accident occurred on March 3, 2023.

Several other pupils and adult pedestrians sustained injuries when the matatu driver avoided a speed bump and ploughed into a crowd walking on the roadside.

Uproar over careless driving

Addressing mourners, leaders among them road safety officials expressed their dismay over the death of the two kids whose lives were snuffed out senselessly at that tender age.

Edward Gitonga, the chairman Speed Governors and Road Safety Association said his team is lobbying for suspension of matatu Saccos whose drivers drink alcohol while on duty.

He said the country cannot continue losing young and promising lives in this manner, particularly when a PSV driver is allowed to drive while under the influence. He appealed to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to suspend operations for such matatu Saccos until their members comply.

He said alcohol was being sold to matatu crews in most of the matatu stages in various centers in the Mount Kenya area including Thika town.

Appeal to CS Murkomen

His National Road Safety Association Chairman David Kiarie said he is pushing Members of Parliament to amend the Traffic Act and introduce a charge of murder for drivers who cause death through reckless driving.

Kiarie appealed to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the new NTSA board to support the initiative, regretting that people are getting away with murder on the roads.

'Build a footbridge'

Esther Wahome, the head teacher of Makongo Primary School said another pupil was knocked down and killed at the same spot where the accident occurred and appealed to the authorities to build a footbridge as a lasting solution.

She added that there are zebra crossing marks on the road "but this cannot stop a reckless driver from running over our pupils."

The children's father John Kamande said the family is yet to come to terms with the loss, noting that his first born son had died a few years back from an illness.

He said Ian who was a scout, had a dream to become a military officer while his sister Precious wanted to be a servant of God.