Man arrested for allegedly setting miraa vehicle on fire after fatal accident

According to Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso, the suspect, Titus Wagatitu Kimani, was arrested in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The incident occurred on January 27, 2025, when a pick-up truck carrying miraa (khat) struck and killed a boda boda rider. Following the accident, the vehicle was set on fire by angry residents. Kimani was apprehended after an extensive search and brought to Wang'uru Police Station.

The victim, Geoffrey Kinyua Nyaga, 46, was a boda boda operator from Kimbimbi Village in Nyangati Ward. Despite narrowly escaping harm, the driver of the miraa vehicle was attacked by residents of Kianjiru and surrounding areas.

Speaking after the arrest, Kimani’s father, Simon Kimani, defended his son, claiming that Titus had no involvement in the incident.

According to Simon, Titus was on his way home to Kagio Town from the South-Ngariama ranch when he encountered the burning pick-up truck at Kianjiru. "My son is innocent. He stopped to check the vehicle, not knowing he would become a suspect," Simon Kimani said.

Simon also clarified that Titus was not hiding in Kasarani, as previously thought. "He had gone to visit his sister. We are still in shock," he added.

The accident has sparked ongoing concerns about rogue miraa vehicles in the area. Peter Karinga, the MCA for Tebere Ward, has been leading efforts to enforce traffic regulations for miraa drivers.

"We will not relent until rogue miraa drivers are removed from our roads," said Karinga, noting that operations are being conducted to ensure drivers comply with speed limits, particularly near Ngurubani Town.

Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized that the suspect would face charges of malicious damage, and urged miraa drivers to adhere to traffic laws to avoid further incidents.