At least six members of the same family lost their lives after a tragic road accident in Murang’a County, when the vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged into River Kiama at Wacengu Bridge.
The victims, who were from Ndia village in Kariara Ward, Gatanga Constituency, were reportedly returning home from a dowry ceremony in the Nazareth area of Kiambu County. According to police reports, six other passengers survived the crash with injuries and were rushed to Kirwara Hospital and Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for treatment. Among the deceased were a husband and wife, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking for their community.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the Sunday dawn accident, and the bodies of the victims have been moved to a nearby mortuary for post-mortem examinations and further identification. Preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle may have lost control before plunging into the river, although mechanical failure and driver error have not been ruled out.
The accident adds to a disturbing trend of fatal road crashes across the country. In another incident on Saturday, a head-on collision between a bus and a private car near Soysambu, Gilgil, on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway claimed six lives.
According to police data, 23 people have died in separate road accidents since Saturday alone. The victims include passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, pillion passengers, and drivers, with more than 30 others sustaining injuries.
Authorities have repeatedly blamed reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and poorly maintained vehicles as the major causes of road carnage in Kenya. Many vehicles on the road have mechanical defects such as worn-out tyres and faulty brakes, posing a serious risk to both passengers and other road users.
Additionally, poor road infrastructure—including potholes, unclear signage, and inadequate lighting—continues to make travel hazardous, especially at night. Weak enforcement of traffic laws and cases of corruption at roadblocks have further worsened the situation, allowing rogue drivers to escape penalties.
As the festive season approaches, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified campaigns urging motorists to observe traffic regulations and maintain their vehicles properly. The recent spate of accidents serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for safer roads and responsible driving behavior to prevent further loss of life.
