By Andrew Kariuki
Residents of Gathoge and Piai villages along the Mwea–Embu highway are calling for urgent government intervention following a surge in road accidents that have claimed the lives of school-going children.
The latest incident occurred on Friday night when a 13-year-old Grade 6 pupil from Kiaumbui Primary School was killed after being struck by a saloon car. Witnesses said the vehicle lost control, veered off the road, and hit the boy, killing him on the spot.
The driver fled the scene immediately after the accident, prompting a police manhunt. The vehicle involved has since been towed to Wang’uru Police Station as investigations continue.
Local residents, led by James Waweru, Margaret Wandia, Wambui Muriithi, and Omari Kilonzo, expressed outrage over what they described as repeated tragedies at the same location.
They are now urging authorities to install speed bumps and implement other traffic calming measures to prevent further loss of life.
“Several people, including children, have died at this spot,” the residents said, calling for urgent action to improve road safety.
The incident has left the community in shock, with growing concerns over the safety of the highway, particularly for school children who rely on the road daily.
