Emotions as three US-based siblings perish in a road accident in Kenya

The siblings, Emmanuel DeLeon (13), Kairu Winkelpeck (6) and Njeri DeLeon (16) lost their lives while on vacation in Kenya in January 4, 2026.

The family, who reside in Waterloo, Iowa, was visiting Kenya for the holidays when their vehicle was involved in a serious accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. 

While Emmanuel and Kairu died at the scene, their elder sister, Njeri, was rushed to a Nairobi hospital in critical condition. 

Despite being placed in a medically induced coma, she passed away on Friday evening, January 16.

The three children are the sons and daughter of Wangui Ndirangu, formerly of New Jersey and now residing in Iowa. They are niece and nephews of Kairu Ndirangu, Wamuyu, Njeri, and Daisy Kariuki, and the grandchildren of the late Charity Ndirangu and the late Jim Ndirangu.

The deaths have sent shockwaves through both the Kenyan and American communities connected to the family.

The parents, who survived the crash and were not seriously injured, remained in Kenya to make funeral arrangements with meetings ongoing at the International Christian Church Centre, Nairobi, on Mombasa Road from 5pm to 7pm daily.

In Waterloo, classmates and teachers remembered Emmanuel as a cheerful eighth-grader at Hoover Middle School, while Kairu was described as a joyful six-year-old first-grader at Royal Legacy Christian Academy.

Njeri, a junior at Waterloo’s West High School and a member of the cheerleading team, was remembered by former teachers as "sweet, caring, and kindhearted," with a smile that brightened any room.

Soon after the news of the deaths spread online, a GoFundMe page, titled "Support for Leah, Christopher and DeLeon Family," was started by family friend Lyndie Maina. 

"Please consider donating to their family, and if you're unable to, please help by sharing this link," said Hoover Middle School, where two of the siblings attended school.

"Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. If you cannot donate, please share this link with your networks," said Maina.

The account, set up to help cover medical, funeral, and travel costs, has so far raised approximately Ksh.8.6 million ($66,392) from more than 870 donations.

A memorial service for all three children is currently being held at the International Christian Centre, Nairobi, to be followed by a funeral service at Kariokor Crematorium on Saturday, January 24, starting at 7 a.m.

As family, friends and wellwishers gathered to pay their final respects to the departed three, a eulogy beautifully captured the heartwarming moments the three children shared on Earth, with their parents, friends and relatives showering them with last-minute adoration and affection, describing each child's unique beauty, personality and talents in painful detail.

Emmanuel DeLeon was a 13-year-old eighth grader at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo. Known for his cheerful personality, he left a strong impression on classmates and teachers alike.

“Emmanuel always had a positive attitude and brightened everyone’s day,” said Amanda Anderson-Murty.

Another family friend, Ciara Oder, recalled his infectious joy, saying he was “always happy and full of laughter.”

His younger brother, Kairu Winkelpleck, was six years old and a first-grade pupil at Royal Legacy Christian Academy. 

Friends and relatives described him as energetic and deeply loved by those around him. 

Their elder sister, Njeri DeLeon, was a 16-year-old junior at West High School. She had recently joined the school’s cheerleading team and made her debut in August 2025 at the UNI-Dome.

Though initially nervous, she quickly embraced the sport and earned admiration from her teammates for her commitment and enthusiasm.

A former teacher, Glenda Griffin, described Njeri as “sweet, caring, and kindhearted,” adding that she had “the most beautiful smile".

About Njeri DeLeon, the eulogy reads: "Njeri had a gentle way of caring for others, a kindness that made people gravitate toward her. She carried herself with grace beyond her years- thoughtful, soft-spoken, and deeply loving. Whether she was supporting her brothers, spending time with cousins, or simply sharing a quiet moment with family, she had a gift for making those around her feel seen and valued."

About Emmanuel Nyori Ndirangu DeLeon, it read: "Emmanuel had a remarkable ability to be both joyfully silly and strikingly mature. He could joke, laugh, and play with boundless enthusiasm yet he was also the first to stand up for what was right. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind when someone needed guidance. That blend of fun-loving spirit and natural leadership made him unforgettable."

And about Kairo Christian-Ndirangu Winkelpleck, the eulogy states: "Kairo was a spark of boundless energy, playful, adventurous, and full of life. If there was running, jumping, hiding, or laughter involved, he was at the center of it. He loved hide-and-seek, Nerf gun battles, and any chance to join the big kids in their games. His cheerful spirit made him the family's little sunshine."

The deaths come amid renewed concern over road safety in Kenya, particularly along major highways, where fatal accidents continue to claim lives despite ongoing safety campaigns.

Latest police report shows that more than 290 people were killed in road accidents in the first 21 days of January 2026.

On January 21, 2026, seven people were killed in separate accidents in the country, increasing the numbers to 294 in 21 days. They included two pedestrians, two passengers, two riders, and a pillion passenger.

This shows an increase of 18 people as compared to the 276 people who had died in the same period in 2025.