Kirinyaga: One injured after vehicle ferrying Miraa crashes into a building

A speeding miraa vehicle crashed into a building under construction at Kianjang'a along the Baricho-Kiburu road in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, leaving the driver injured.

According to local residents, led by Boniface Muriuki, the driver was rushed to Baricho Health Centre by a good Samaritan after complaining of severe chest pain.

Eyewitness Ann Njeri recounted the dramatic scene, explaining that the Miraa vehicle's driver lost control while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

 “I couldn’t believe it. There was a cloud of dust, and the next thing I knew, the vehicle had crashed. I raised the alarm, and we rushed him to Baricho Health Centre. Later, the health workers transferred him by ambulance to Kerugoya Referral Hospital,” Njeri said.

Witnesses reported that another Miraa vehicle passing along the same route quickly transferred the Miraa from the wrecked vehicle before police arrived.

Francis Muthike, a resident, voiced concerns over the increasing number of accidents involving Miraa vehicles since they began using the route last year.

“These Miraa vehicles are often driven recklessly, and it’s causing more accidents. Something needs to be done,” he said.

Kirinyaga West (Ndia) Police Commander Moses Koskei confirmed the incident, stating that the building was under construction and no one was inside or near it at the time of the crash.

 “Fortunately, many people were in church at the time, and the road was not crowded. The driver is now in stable condition and recording a statement at Sagana Police Station,” Koskei said.

Koskei issued a stern warning to miraa drivers, urging them to adhere to traffic rules. “The wreckage has been towed to Sagana Police Station, and investigations are underway,” he added.

This accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Kirinyaga County, particularly regarding the reckless driving of miraa transport vehicles.