In a recent incident in Kirinyaga County, one person was injured after a vehicle transporting Miraa crashed into a building under construction. The accident occurred along the Baricho-Kiburu road in the Kianjang’a area, located within the Ndia sub-county. Local authorities have confirmed that the driver of the Miraa vehicle was the sole casualty, and they were rushed to Baricho Health Centre by a Good Samaritan after complaining of severe chest pain. The driver was later transferred to Kerugoya Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Eyewitnesses to the crash, including local resident Ann Njeri, described the dramatic scene. Njeri explained that the driver of the Miraa vehicle lost control while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The crash sent a cloud of dust into the air, and the vehicle subsequently collided with a building under construction. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time, and no one was inside or near the site when the accident occurred.
The incident has sparked significant concern among local residents, particularly regarding the rising number of accidents involving Miraa vehicles on the Baricho-Kiburu road. Miraa, a stimulant plant widely consumed in parts of Kenya, is often transported in large quantities, leading to an increase in the number of vehicles involved in its distribution. These vehicles are frequently used to transport the Miraa from farms to various markets, but the speed and reckless driving of the drivers have raised alarm in the community.
Residents voiced their frustrations over the reckless driving habits of Miraa transport drivers. Francis Muthike, a local resident, expressed his concerns about the growing number of accidents involving Miraa vehicles. He noted that the drivers often disregard traffic laws, driving at excessive speeds and engaging in dangerous maneuvers, such as overtaking in risky areas. Muthike and other community members believe that the government and local authorities need to take stronger measures to address the issue before more accidents occur.
Police have confirmed that investigations into the crash are underway. Kirinyaga West (Ndia) Police Commander Moses Koskei assured the public that the wreckage of the vehicle had been towed to the Sagana Police Station for further examination. He also issued a stern warning to Miraa drivers, urging them to adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution on the roads. Koskei emphasized that such reckless driving behavior is not only a danger to the drivers themselves but also to other road users, including pedestrians and motorists.
In addition to the crash itself, local witnesses reported that another Miraa vehicle passing along the same route stopped to transfer the Miraa from the wrecked vehicle before police arrived at the scene. This quick action by another driver helped prevent further damage or injury, but it also highlighted the urgency of addressing the safety concerns surrounding Miraa transport.
The accident has also brought to light the broader issue of road safety in Kirinyaga County. While the region has seen steady development, the increasing number of accidents involving Miraa vehicles is a growing concern for residents and authorities alike. The roads, particularly those in rural areas, are often narrow and poorly maintained, making them prone to accidents, especially when vehicles are driven recklessly.
Local authorities have urged the community to be vigilant and report any instances of dangerous driving. They have also called for more robust enforcement of traffic laws, including speed limits and regulations on the number of passengers and cargo that can be carried in Miraa vehicles. Additionally, there have been calls for improved infrastructure, such as better road signage and clearer markings, to help reduce the risk of accidents.
The increasing frequency of accidents involving Miraa vehicles has become a significant concern for Kirinyaga County. While the Miraa trade is an important economic activity in the region, it is clear that safety measures must be prioritized to protect both the drivers and the wider community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent further accidents and injuries.
