Traffic police in Kirinyaga County have launched a targeted crackdown on miraa and muguka transport vehicles flouting road safety regulations, following a directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The operation, led by officers from the Sagana Traffic Base in the Tebere area, saw three drivers arrested and their vehicles impounded. Authorities said the exercise is part of a wider enforcement campaign along the busy Mwea–Embu highway, a route heavily used by miraa transporters.
One of the arrested drivers was found driving at 119 kilometres per hour without a valid inspection sticker and on an expired driver’s licence. He was released on a Sh5,000 cash bond. A second motorist was charged with operating a vehicle without inspection, while a third was nabbed for speeding and allegedly attempting to evade police by changing route.
Police further reported that four miraa and muguka-laden vehicles declined to stop when flagged down. Their registration numbers were recorded, and investigations are ongoing.
The crackdown follows remarks by CS Murkomen during a Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Kerugoya on August 21, where he raised concerns about reckless driving by miraa transporters. He described the situation as a “serious threat” to road users in Kirinyaga and Embu counties.
“These miraa vehicles are being driven at breakneck speeds, endangering lives. The drivers and owners even refused to attend a meeting with the Eastern Regional Commissioner. Now, let us deal with them ruthlessly and without fear,” Murkomen said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru echoed the CS’s sentiments, terming the situation a “disturbing menace.” She revealed that at least 25 lives had been lost in the past year due to accidents linked to miraa vehicles in the county.
“This is no longer just a traffic issue; it’s a public safety crisis,” Waiguru said, stressing that school-going children were among the victims.
Authorities have pledged to intensify surveillance on miraa routes to curb the rising road carnage, warning that reckless drivers will face severe penalties.
