Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has expressed deep sorrow following a fatal road accident that claimed eight lives on the Mwea-Embu Highway on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The crash occurred at Kimbimbi Red Soil, involving a lorry and a tuk-tuk. The victims were travelling in the tuk-tuk to a rice-planting assignment when the collision happened.
In a statement on Sunday, Waiguru extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. She emphasized the need for all road users to adopt greater responsibility to prevent similar tragedies.
Details of the Crash
- The collision happened near Murubara along the Mwea-Embu Highway.
- Police reports indicate the lorry driver swerved to avoid potholes, lost control, and collided head-on with the oncoming tuk-tuk.
- One person sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Kimbimbi Hospital.
Calls for Urgent Road Safety Measures
The accident has intensified demands from local residents and leaders for improved safety measures on the highway. Concerns include:
- Filling potholes and repairing damaged road sections.
- Installing speed bumps, particularly between Red Soil and Ngurubani town.
- Enhanced enforcement to reduce speeding and prevent further accidents.
Area MP Mary Maingi has appealed to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to prioritize these interventions.
The bodies of the eight victims have been taken to Kerugoya Level Five Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.
