NAIROBI, Kenya – A 24-year-old former Radio Africa journalist has died following a tragic road accident involving a motorcycle and a concrete mixer along Uhuru Highway in Nairobi.
The victim, identified as Rose Mbugua, was killed in the Friday evening crash that occurred at about 5.30 p.m. near the University Way roundabout, police said.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident involved a Foton concrete mixer and a motorcycle, both travelling from the Westlands direction towards Nairobi’s central business district.
Police said the motorcycle rider allegedly struck the road pavement, lost control and rammed into the left side of the moving concrete mixer.
The impact threw Mbugua, who was travelling as a pillion passenger, onto the road. She suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police officers processed the scene before moving her body to the Nairobi Funeral Home (City Mortuary), where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
Investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The news of Mbugua’s death has shocked friends and former colleagues, who remembered her as a dedicated, hardworking and humble journalist.
The accident comes amid growing concern over the rising number of fatal road crashes across the country, particularly those involving motorcycles.
Police data shows that motorcycle-related accidents continue to account for the largest share of road fatalities.
Authorities said 13 people were killed in separate road accidents across the country on Friday night alone, including five motorcycle riders, one pillion passenger, two pedestrians and five passengers. More than 20 other people sustained serious injuries in the crashes.
Police have urged motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians to exercise greater caution as investigations into the incidents continue.