KONZA, Kenya – A senior prison officer and his teenage daughter have died after a trailer allegedly lost its brakes and crashed into their car along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway at Konza in the early hours of Tuesday.
The accident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. and involved a Beiben trailer and a Mitsubishi saloon car, according to Makueni Traffic Base Commander John Kirima.
“Today (Tuesday) at about 3.30am, a car of a Mitsubishi make and a trailer got involved in an accident along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The trailer lost brakes and hit the car. As a result, two people lost their lives on the spot. One is a senior prisons officer in Mombasa,” Kirima said.
The deceased were identified as Senior Superintendent of Prisons Alex Kazungu Mbitha, 45, and his 14-year-old daughter, Claire Heri.
Mbitha was attached to Mombasa Remand Prison Station and previously served as the officer commanding Shimo La Tewa Prisons. He was driving the Mitsubishi saloon when the collision occurred.
Wife, two sons injured
Three other members of the family were injured in the crash and were rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for treatment.
Mbitha’s wife sustained a head injury, while his 15-year-old son complained of chest pains. His 23-year-old son also suffered a head injury.
Kirima said all three injured occupants sustained serious injuries.
Officers from Salama Police Station responded to the scene and processed the accident before the bodies were taken to the Machakos Level 5 Hospital mortuary.
The bodies of Mbitha and his daughter were moved to the mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Family was travelling to Nairobi
The family was travelling to Nairobi for a family-related mission, according to a relative.
One of the family members was expected to be admitted to a university in Nairobi.
The journey was cut short by the early-morning collision at Konza, with police continuing investigations into the circumstances that led to the crash.
Trailer towed for inspection
Police said preliminary information indicated that the Beiben trailer lost its brakes before hitting the Mitsubishi.
However, investigators will determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and establish whether other factors contributed to the crash.
Both vehicles were towed to Salama Police Station for inspection as investigations continue.
Police issue road safety warning
Kirima urged motorists using the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations.
He warned drivers against excessive speed, fatigue and dangerous overtaking, particularly along accident-prone sections of the highway.
“I advise motorists to be more careful while using our roads. They should maintain recommended speed limits. Long-distance drivers should ensure they have enough rest to avoid road accidents resulting from fatigue,” Kirima said.
He also urged motorists to observe road signs and avoid overtaking in dangerous sections such as the Salama stretch of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Investigations into the Konza accident are ongoing.
