By B, KNA
Six members of an extended family from Ndia Village in Gatanga Sub County, Murang’a, perished on Saturday night after a 14-seater matatu they were travelling in plunged into River Kiama.
The accident occurred at Wachengu Bridge, claiming the lives of a husband and wife among the six fatalities.
According to Gatanga Sub County Police Commander, Ahmed Hillow, the accident happened around 9:30 p.m., and preliminary investigations indicate that the brakes of the ill-fated vehicle failed.
“The driver was unable to control the matatu while crossing the narrow Wachengu Bridge, which lies a few metres from Ciombo shopping centre,” said Hillow. “Only two passengers were treated and discharged, while six others with serious injuries were transferred from Kirwara sub county hospital to Murang’a level five hospital for further treatment.”
The victims were reportedly returning home from a traditional dowry ceremony held in Kawaida, Kiambu County.
Commander Hillow noted that the bridge had no guard rails, saying the ones previously installed were vandalized.
The bodies of the deceased were retrieved and taken to the General Kago Funeral Home in Thika for preservation.
Local residents have since called for the arrest of individuals responsible for vandalizing guard rails and other road signage, urging road agencies to conduct regular inspections and replace missing safety infrastructure.
Thomas Mwaura, a matatu driver, faulted the relevant road authorities for neglecting safety measures along dangerous stretches of the road.
“The road agencies should ensure guard rails are erected along curves and bridges, and the police must pursue those behind their vandalism,” said Mwaura.
The tragedy comes barely a month after another horrific accident in Kariandusi along the Nakuru Highway near Kikopey, where 13 members of a single family lost their lives in a head-on collision with a trailer.