Two people lost their lives in a tragic road accident involving a speeding miraa vehicle along the Mwea-Embu Highway in Kirinyaga County.
The victims, a motorcyclist and his passenger, were struck by the vehicle around 10:00 pm on Tuesday December 17, 2024 while traveling near Difathas.
According to Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso, the miraa vehicle was heading towards Nairobi when it collided with the boda boda.
“The miraa pick-up was heading towards Nairobi when it collided with the boda boda,” Jarso said in a statement.
“The accident happened at around 10:00 pm and it is deeply unfortunate for the family and the residents of Difathas,” he added.
The driver of the miraa vehicle fled the scene, leaving the bodies on the road, which sparked outrage among local residents.
Meanwhile, area residents accused miraa drivers of reckless driving and a lack of respect for traffic laws.
During protests on Wednesday, residents from Difathas and surrounding areas, including parts of Mwea and Gichugu constituencies, blocked the busy highway.
“This is not the first time. Recently, two children from Kithogondo Slums in Ngurubani were killed by a speeding miraa vehicle. Today, it’s two people from Kiarigi Village. We demand accountability from the vehicle owners,” said Dan Murango, a local resident.
Family members of the deceased, led by David Gicobi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“My son, Phillip Njagi, was just 18 and had recently completed his KCSE exams. His cousin, Anthony Kariuki, 28, was with him. They were coming home after visiting their aunt when they were killed. We want justice,” Gicobi said.
Police later apprehended the driver of the miraa vehicle in Ngurubani Town as he attempted to flee towards Nairobi. The driver is currently in custody at Wang’uru Police Station and is set to appear in court.
The incident reignited public concern over reckless driving by miraa vehicle operators, with many locals calling for stricter regulations.
“These drivers do not even respect traffic laws or law enforcement officers. We need serious action,” said Peter Kinyua, a local resident.
The tragedy comes just weeks after a similar incident in Ngurubani, where two children, aged 12 and 7, were killed by a speeding miraa vehicle.
The vehicle struck the children while overtaking another car on a road section marked with spikes for cess collection. The children were buried on December 4, leaving the community in mourning.
Residents are now urging the government to implement stricter regulations on miraa transport to prevent further loss of life.
