One killed in hit-and-run incident in Kirinyaga

One person was killed and another injured in a hit-and-run crash involving a lorry and a motorcycle at Mumbu along the Piai- South–Ngariama Road in Kirinyaga County on Wednesday night.

The motorcyclist died on the spot, while the injured passenger was rushed to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.

Residents said the lorry, which was transporting dry maize, struck the motorcycle before speeding off without stopping.

According to Caroline Wawira, whose cousin John Muriithi Muchiri survived the crash, the two were travelling home to Itangi in South Ngariama from Rogoi when the accident occurred.

Village elders James Simba and Joseph Maina Waweru described Mumbu in Murinduko Ward, Mwea, as an accident black spot, saying the recently tarmacked road has claimed several lives.

Residents, led by Eliud Kirii, called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to install speed bumps along the stretch, arguing that speeding vehicles have turned the road into a death trap for motorists and pedestrians.

The injured victim was taken to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital by Itangi police officers, while Wang'uru traffic police moved the deceased's body to the hospital mortuary.

Residents later staged protests, demanding urgent safety measures to curb the rising number of fatal road accidents.