A 65-year-old woman, Beatrice Wanjiru Gakindu Karani, was fatally hit by a pick-up vehicle on Saturday morning as she walked to Rukanga Catholic Church in Kirinyaga County. The incident occurred at around 11:35 a.m. near the PAG Church in Rukanga village. According to police, Wanjiru was crossing the road from left to right when she was struck by a Toyota Hilux pick-up driven by Peter Kanyi Maina.
The accident resulted in Wanjiru sustaining multiple injuries, and she died on the spot, approximately 300 metres from her homestead. The scene drew a crowd of mourners, who gathered in shock, and her church headscarf was left on the highway next to her lifeless body. A resident, Mr. Gikonyo, expressed the community's grief, stating that Wanjiru was a beloved church member.
The death has raised concerns over road safety along the Sagana-Makutano road, with residents citing an increase in accidents along the dual carriageway. Led by Alex Ndambiri, residents called for greater caution among motorists and other road users, emphasizing that the stretch had become increasingly hazardous. Pastor James Maina and Timothy Chomba were among those urging road users to follow traffic rules.
The accident occurred just days after Central Region Traffic Police Commander Elizabeth Vivi visited the area to educate residents and motorists on safe highway usage. The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of pedestrians and motorists using the busy highway. Residents described the Sagana-Makutano-Embu-Mwea highway in Kirinyaga County as a "killer road."
The body of the victim was taken to Kibugi Funeral Home pending autopsy, while the Toyota Hilux was towed to the police station yard for inspection as investigations into the accident continued. The incident has sparked discussions on road safety, with residents and leaders emphasizing the need for adherence to traffic rules.
Local leaders, including Pastor James Maina, Timothy Chomba, and a resident named Ngina, stressed the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations. They noted that the increasing number of accidents along the highway necessitated a concerted effort to promote safe driving practices.
The police are continuing investigations into the accident, and the community remains in shock over the tragic loss of Wanjiru. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance among all road users.
Key points
- The accident occurred on the Sagana-Makutano road in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
- The victim, Beatrice Wanjiru Gakindu Karani, was a 65-year-old woman walking to church.
- The incident has raised concerns over road safety along the highway, with residents calling for greater caution among motorists.
