Two people were seriously injured following a hit-and-run accident involving a speeding miraa pickup at Kangondu junction along the Embu-Meru highway. The victims, a boda boda rider and his pillion passenger, were travelling home from Runyenjes when the accident occurred.
According to reports from the scene, the miraa vehicle was overspeeding when it hit the motorcycle from behind, flinging both the rider and passenger onto the roadside. The impact caused multiple fractures and serious bodily injuries to both individuals.
Emergency responders from the nearby Hunter Medical Centre arrived swiftly and administered first aid before transferring the critically injured rider to Embu Level 5 Hospital. The passenger, who was also severely hurt, was admitted to Hunter Medical Centre for further treatment.
The incident has once again brought the safety of road users into sharp focus, particularly in relation to the miraa transport vehicles known for their high-speed driving. Eyewitnesses described the pickup’s reckless manner, saying it barely slowed down after the crash and continued without stopping.
Residents of the area expressed outrage at the growing number of road accidents linked to miraa vehicles, which are often driven at breakneck speeds to meet tight delivery schedules. The local community has become increasingly concerned about what they see as disregard for traffic rules and human life by drivers involved in the miraa trade.
“The green gold has seemingly become more valuable than human life,” lamented one resident, pointing to a growing feeling of helplessness and anger over the inaction by authorities. There are widespread calls for tighter regulation, if not a total ban, on miraa transportation along the busy Embu-Meru highway.
This latest incident comes just two days after another tragic crash involving a miraa pickup at Jukwaa area in Kathageri, where two brothers lost their lives after being knocked down by the vehicle. These back-to-back tragedies have left the community on edge, prompting spontaneous protests and rising tensions.
Shortly after the Kangondu crash, a group of boda boda riders retaliated by pelting a passing miraa lorry with stones. The driver, fearing for his safety, sped off and reported the matter at the Runyenjes Police Station before resuming his journey. The retaliatory act has been interpreted as a signal of growing frustration among road users over what they see as unchecked impunity.
Residents are now planning to hold peaceful demonstrations demanding justice for the victims and action against miraa drivers who flout traffic rules. They are also pushing for enhanced enforcement of speed limits and a review of policies governing miraa transport.
Local leaders and safety advocates are being urged to intervene and ensure that safety measures are put in place to protect lives. Suggestions from the community include installation of speed bumps, increased police patrols, and designated time slots for miraa vehicles to operate.
As the victims continue to receive treatment, their families and the community are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and the apprehension of the driver responsible. For many, the hope is that these unfortunate events will serve as a wake-up call to prevent future tragedies on one of the region’s busiest highways.
