In a startling incident on Monday, September 9, 2024, Isiolo High Court Presiding Judge Thripsisa Wanjiku Wamae was involved in a severe road accident along the Eldama Ravine-Nakuru Road. The accident, which left the judge and her two companions, including her driver and bodyguard, injured, occurred when their vehicle veered off the road and rolled into a ditch. The incident has raised concerns about road safety along this stretch, which is known for several accidents in recent years.
The Judiciary of Kenya issued a statement confirming the involvement of Justice Wamae in the accident. The statement reassured the public that the judge, though injured, is in stable condition and currently receiving treatment. “Lady Justice Thripsisa Wanjiku Wamae, a Judge of the High Court and Presiding Judge, Isiolo High Court, has regrettably been involved in a road traffic accident along the Eldama Ravine – Nakuru road. She is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. We wish the Honorable Judge a quick recovery,” read the statement.
Mogotio OCPD Felicia Nafula, who is overseeing the investigation, stated that the vehicle carrying the High Court judge veered off the road before it rolled into a ditch. Preliminary reports suggest that the car, a Ford model, was severely damaged, with the front section bearing the brunt of the impact, including a shattered windshield. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported from the crash, but the injured parties were immediately rushed to hospitals in Nakuru for treatment.
Justice Wamae’s bodyguard and driver, who were also inside the vehicle at the time of the accident, were taken to Valley Hospital Nakuru, where they are currently receiving medical attention. OCPD Nafula noted that both the bodyguard and driver sustained injuries, though their conditions are not as severe as initially feared.
The accident took place during a routine trip, and while the exact cause is yet to be determined, authorities are investigating all possible factors, including driver error, mechanical issues, or road conditions. The Eldama Ravine-Nakuru Road is a major route used by thousands of motorists, yet it has been the site of several accidents, prompting calls for increased safety measures.
The Judiciary’s quick response to the incident reflects the deep concern within the legal fraternity and among Kenyans over the safety of their public servants. Justice Wamae, a respected figure in the judiciary, has been serving as the presiding judge of the Isiolo High Court, where she has built a reputation for her dedication and fairness in the dispensation of justice.
This incident comes amid a worrying trend of road accidents across Kenya, with many involving high-profile individuals and public service vehicles. It also brings attention to the need for better infrastructure and safer driving practices. The exact circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear, and police have launched a full investigation to determine what went wrong.
Meanwhile, news of the accident has sparked concern among the judiciary and the general public, with many taking to social media to express their hopes for Justice Wamae’s swift recovery. The judge, known for her strong work ethic and commitment to her role, is expected to make a full recovery, and her colleagues have sent well wishes to her and her team as they undergo treatment.
This accident follows a series of other road-related tragedies in Nakuru County, particularly along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, where accidents have become alarmingly frequent. Just a day earlier, on Sunday, September 8, a tragic collision at the infamous Ngata blackspot along the same highway resulted in the deaths of two people and left 22 others injured, including six athletes returning from the Nairobi City Marathon. Survivors of that crash reported that the matatu driver was speeding and overtaking recklessly before the accident occurred.
The high number of road accidents has led to growing calls for stricter traffic rules, especially on highways prone to accidents like the Nakuru-Eldoret road. In recent years, road safety campaigns have intensified, but the frequency of accidents suggests more needs to be done in terms of law enforcement, road maintenance, and public awareness.
The Judiciary and the police are urging motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules, particularly on major highways. As investigations into Justice Wamae’s accident continue, Kenyans hope for reforms that will make the country’s roads safer for everyone. For now, the focus is on the recovery of those injured in the crash, with special attention given to the Honorable Judge Thripsisa Wanjiku Wamae, her driver, and her bodyguard, as they recover from this harrowing ordeal.
