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A fatal accident along the Mwea-Embu Highway in Kirinyaga County has left the community shaken, after a miraa pickup truck collided with a boda boda rider, resulting in the rider’s death. 

The incident, which occurred near Kianjiru Trading Centre, has sparked strong reactions from the residents, who have called for stricter road safety measures and regulation of miraa transport.

The pickup truck, which was traveling from Meru to Nairobi, reportedly collided with the motorcycle at high speed, dragging the rider several meters along the highway. 

Eyewitness Peter Macharia described the impact as violent and traumatic, saying, “The driver dragged the rider several meters from the scene.” 

Many residents were left in shock after witnessing the accident, and their anger quickly turned toward the truck's driver.

In an act of retaliation, the local residents set the pickup truck on fire. 

As the flames engulfed the vehicle, the area became tense, with traffic police officers from Wanguru Police Station on site but unable to control the crowd. 

Local resident Mary Wambui stated, "Police cannot control this crowd," reflecting the heightened emotions among the people of Kianjiru.

The chaos caused by the accident and the fire disrupted traffic along the Mwea-Embu Highway for over two hours, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with commuters and transport operators unable to pass through the area. 

Joseph Wanjohi, a local, shared his frustration, saying, “The angry residents say this is the same pickup that killed two children in Ngurubani Town just weeks ago.”

 The repeated incidents involving miraa transport trucks have fueled outrage among the community.

David Irungu, the chairman of boda boda operators in Kimbimbi, confirmed that the deceased rider was a local. 

He expressed his condolences to the family and highlighted the growing concern within the community, stating, “This is another tragic loss for the community, and it’s becoming a weekly occurrence. 

Something needs to be done.” Irungu also called for greater road safety awareness and the regulation of speeding miraa trucks.

In the wake of this tragedy, residents of Kirinyaga have called on the government to enforce stricter regulations on the transportation of miraa.