Two Lives Lost in Speeding Miraa Vehicle Accident on Mwea-Embu Highway.

Two people lost their lives in a tragic road accident involving a miraa pick-up along the Mwea-Embu Highway at Difathas in Kirinyaga County. The victims, a boda boda rider and his pillion passenger, were struck by the speeding vehicle around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso confirmed the incident, stating that the miraa pick-up, en route to Nairobi, collided with the boda boda. “The accident occurred around 10 p.m., and it is a deeply unfortunate incident for the families and the residents of Difathas,” he said. The driver fled the scene, leaving the victims’ bodies on the road, sparking outrage among locals.

Enraged residents of Difathas and neighboring areas, including parts of Mwea and Gichugu constituencies, blocked the highway in protest, accusing miraa drivers of reckless driving and flouting traffic rules.

“This is not the first time such an accident has occurred,” said Dan Murango, a local resident. “Just recently, two children from Kithogondo Slums in Ngurubani were killed by a speeding miraa vehicle. Today, we’ve lost two people from Kiarigi Village. We demand accountability from the vehicle owners.”

Family members of the victims, led by David Gicobi, expressed their grief and called for justice. “My son, Phillip Njagi, was only 18 and had just completed his KCSE exams. His cousin, Anthony Kariuki, 28, was with him. They were returning home after visiting their aunt when they were killed. We want justice,” said Mr. Gicobi.

The miraa pick-up driver was later arrested in Ngurubani Town as he attempted to flee towards Nairobi. He is currently detained at Wang’uru Police Station and is set to appear in court.

This incident has reignited concerns over reckless driving by miraa transport operators and the government’s perceived inaction. “These drivers blatantly disregard traffic laws and law enforcement. It’s time for serious action,” said Peter Kinyua, another resident.

The tragedy comes just weeks after a similar accident in Ngurubani, where two children, aged 12 and 7, were killed by a speeding miraa vehicle. The vehicle, while overtaking on a road section with spikes installed for cess collection, struck the children as they cycled to school.

The children, who attended Ngurubani and Thiba Primary Schools, were laid to rest on December 4, leaving their community in mourning.

Residents are now urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on miraa transport to prevent further loss of lives.