- Emotional scenes unfolded as grieving family members arrived at the scene where a boda boda rider and his ex-wife died
- The evening collision on the busy Kirinyaga road sparked outrage among locals, leading to hours of road blockage
- Witnesses alleged the suspected cause of the crash, while residents renewed calls for government action due to a series of accidents witnessed in the area
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kirinyaga: A boda boda rider and his pillion passenger, identified as his ex-wife, have died in a tragic road accident at Gathoge along the Mwea–Embu Highway.
Source: UGC
The victims, David Gitari, 53, and Eunice, both from Mathangauta Village, were reportedly heading towards Kutus from Piai when a speeding saloon car rammed into their motorcycle from behind on Monday evening, October 6.
What happened after the Mwea-Embu Highway accident?
Citizen Digital reported that the impact of the collision was so severe that the victims were ‘thrown over 500 metres from the point of impact’, sparking outrage among locals.
Family members who arrived at the scene identified the deceased and shared their grief.
“The two were friends. David was my brother, and Eunice was his ex-wife. They had met today for the first time since separating two years ago,” said Jackson Gichobi, a relative.
“I cannot believe seeing the lifeless body of my firstborn lying in a pool of blood,” Gitari’s father, Francis Njuki, added, expressing deep sorrow.
What caused the Mwea-Embu Highway accident?
Eyewitnesses at the scene alleged that the driver appeared intoxicated and fled immediately after the crash.
“We suspect the driver was drunk because he was speeding. After knocking them down, he fled the scene,” said Martin Mugo, a resident who witnessed the incident.
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The furious residents blocked the busy highway for more than five hours and refused to allow the police to take the bodies to the mortuary, demanding confirmation of the suspect’s arrest.
Eventually, the family managed to calm the crowd and urged them to allow police to transport the bodies to Kibugi Funeral Home, where postmortems will be conducted.
Residents reiterated longstanding calls for the government to install speed bumps at Gathoge, citing frequent fatal accidents in the area.
The police later confirmed that the driver had been arrested and taken to Wanguru Police Station as investigations into the incident continue.
Several feared dead as Nairobi bus plunges into river
Elsewhere, A Latema Sacco bus plunged into the Nairobi River at Waruku, leaving several feared dead.
Source: Facebook
The accident occurred on Tuesday evening, October 7, along the road to Gatina. Locals rushed to rescue trapped passengers, with some climbing onto the wreckage.
While speaking with TUKO.co.ke, Nairobi Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria urged motorists to prioritise the safety of passengers whenever driving on unfamiliar routes.
According to him, preliminary reports revealed that at least 20 casualties were reported. Other leaders, including the Dagoretti Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi, sympathised with the victims and vowed support.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
