Grief has engulfed Rukanga village in Mutithi Ward, Kirinyaga County, following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of a young man, his mother, and his grandmother on Wednesday morning along the Mwea–Embu highway.
The victims, Jackson Mwangi, 20, his mother Susan Wanjiru, and 75-year-old grandmother Beth Wanjiru, were on a motorcycle heading home from Wang’uru Law Court when the crash occurred near the Research area.
According to family spokesperson John Gakotho, the trio was returning from a court session where Mwangi had appeared for the mention of a defilement case. He had earlier been remanded for 12 days at Mwea GK Prison and was recently released after his grandmother used a title deed to post bail for him.
“The family had accompanied Jackson for moral support and to ensure his safe return. It’s devastating that all three died while on their way home,” Gakotho said.
Police from Mwea West Sub-County reported that the motorcycle, which Mwangi was riding, veered into the path of an oncoming matatu headed from Makutano to Ngurubani. The impact was fatal, instantly killing all three riders.
“The motorcycle crossed into the wrong lane and collided head-on with the matatu. The collision was severe, and the bike was trapped under the front of the matatu,” police confirmed.
Michael Njue, the matatu driver, said he was en route from Nairobi to Meru when the motorcycle suddenly appeared in his lane, giving him no time to react.
Family members are still coming to terms with the loss. Beatrice Mukami Maina, a relative, said she initially heard of the crash on Inooro FM but never imagined it involved her sister, Beth, and two other close relatives.
“We’re still in shock. We never imagined the radio report was about our loved ones,” she said.
Local church leaders, Peter Gaitho of ACK Rukanga and Pastor Wainaina Ngirigaca of AIPCA, have appealed for support from local leaders and the community to help the family with burial arrangements.
The accident adds to the growing list of fatal crashes along the busy Mwea–Embu highway, prompting fresh concerns over road safety and regulation of motorcycle transport in the region.
Written By Rodney Mbua
