Joy marred by death as 22-year-old dies during tarmacking of long-awaited Kimbimbi-Kanjinji road

Eric Bundi, a resident of Gatitika village, died after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a saloon car at Karoti.

Bundi was reportedly travelling in the same direction as a vehicle belonging to Julius Maina when the accident occurred.

His uncle, Irungu Mwangi, said Bundi was rushed to Kimbimbi Hospital on Tuesday, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Maina, the driver of the saloon car, said he was shocked when he noticed the motorcycle near his vehicle.

“I did not know where the motorcycle came from. It was flying before I rushed the victim to Kimbimbi Hospital, where he died,” Maina said.

The accident has raised concerns among residents over road safety as construction and tarmacking works continue along the road.

Residents accuse some motorists and motorcycle riders of speeding along the newly tarmacked sections, saying the improved road has also increased the risk of accidents.

“Motorcycle operators and drivers are speeding, causing accidents. Right now, one person has died and two others are in hospital after sustaining serious injuries,” said Felister Wambui.

Irungu said another accident on Sunday left four members of one family injured after their vehicle was hit by another vehicle.

“A man and his wife were seriously injured and are now fighting for their lives at Kerugoya and Kenyatta hospitals,” he said.

The accidents have cast a shadow over what residents describe as a historic moment for the area, with the long-awaited tarmacking of the road bringing excitement to Kimbimbi and surrounding communities.

The road, which runs from Kutus through Kimbimbi and Togonye to Piai, is currently being tarmacked, with residents saying they have waited for years for the project to become a reality.

At Kimbimbi shopping centre, residents have been taking photographs of the newly tarmacked sections, with some saying they never imagined they would see the road paved.

Susan Murugi said the improved road would be a major boost for residents of Karoti, Gatitika and neighbouring areas who rely on Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital and the shopping centre.

“The tarmacked road is a joy to the people of Karoti, Gatitika and the surrounding areas who usually come to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital and the shopping centre. We are taking photos because we never thought we would see a tarmacked road here. It is like a dream,” Murugi said.

Residents are also welcoming plans to construct a bridge across River Nyamindi, saying improved infrastructure will boost development and increase the value of property in the area.

“We are happy that the area will develop and that the value of plots will increase. Eight bridges have now been constructed in Mwea, including the one at Karira, and we are happy,” said James Kamau.

Simon Maina said residents were confident that the road would be completed as promised by Mwea Member of Parliament Mary Maingi.

Maingi has meanwhile urged motorists, motorcycle riders and other road users to exercise caution as the tarmacking works continue.

“It is unfortunate that Eric Bundi died at Karoti,” the MP said.

Bundi's body was taken to Kibugi Funeral Home in Kutus.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident reported the matter at Wang'uru Police Station and recorded a statement. The vehicle is being held at the station as investigations continue.

Residents are now calling on the contractor to install adequate warning signs and other safety measures along the road to prevent further accidents.

They say speed bumps should also be installed, with the measures expected to be put in place once construction of the road is complete.