Grief has engulfed a village in Kirinyaga County following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of three family members — a 12-year-old boy, his mother, and their elderly grandmother. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, July 3, 2025, along the busy Kagio–Kutus road near Difathas trading centre.
The victims were travelling home from Kutus town in a private Toyota Axio when the vehicle collided head-on with a lorry that was reportedly overtaking dangerously. All three occupants of the saloon car died on the spot due to the impact of the collision, which left the vehicle badly mangled.
Bystanders described the scene as horrifying, with twisted metal and scattered belongings strewn across the tarmac. Attempts by locals to rescue the victims were in vain, as the vehicle had been crushed beyond recognition.
The deceased have been identified as Jane Wanjiku, aged 64, her daughter Anne Nyawira, aged 33, and Anne’s 12-year-old son, Brian Maina. The family was returning to their home in Kiangai village after running errands in Kutus town, including shopping for school supplies for Brian, who was set to resume classes the following week.
The lorry driver, whose identity has not yet been made public, survived the crash with minor injuries. He was arrested by officers from Kianyaga Police Station and is currently in custody, assisting with investigations.
According to relatives and neighbours, Wanjiku was a well-known retired teacher, Nyawira worked as a small-scale trader in Kutus, and Brian was a Class Seven pupil at a local primary school.
Preliminary reports from the police suggest that the lorry driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed when he lost control and rammed into the oncoming car. The overtaking manoeuvre is said to have occurred on a slight bend with limited visibility.
Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Kitavi confirmed this account, saying:
“Initial investigations point to dangerous overtaking by the lorry driver, who entered the oncoming lane without confirming if the road was clear. The victims did not have time to swerve or brake to avoid the collision.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene supported this account, with several alleging that the lorry had been speeding and swaying dangerously even before the crash.
“The driver seemed to be in a hurry. He was overtaking recklessly. We just heard a huge crash and saw smoke,” said James Mwangi, a motorcyclist who was just a few metres away when the crash occurred.
Following the crash, police officers and emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. The bodies of the three family members were removed from the wreckage and transported to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital mortuary.
The wrecked saloon car was towed to Kianyaga Police Station, while the lorry was detained for mechanical inspection. Authorities have also taken statements from eyewitnesses and plan to conduct a toxicology test on the lorry driver to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
Commander Kitavi assured the public that investigations would be thorough and transparent.
“We will ensure justice is served for the bereaved family. Reckless drivers must be held accountable,” he stated.
Meanwhile, regional leaders, including area MCA Mary Wambui, have demanded urgent road safety reforms.
“It’s heartbreaking to lose three members of one family in a preventable accident. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) must act now and install proper signage, speed bumps, and street lighting along this stretch,” she said during a visit to the mortuary.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and improved road infrastructure. Members of the community have gathered at the family’s home in Kiangai to offer condolences and support, as funeral arrangements begin under a sombre cloud.
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