KIRINYAGA, Kenya — At least eight people were killed and three others injured after a parcel lorry collided head-on with a tuk-tuk carrying rice farm workers along the Mwea–Embu Highway in Kirinyaga County on Saturday morning.
Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal confirmed the accident, saying the victims died after the speeding lorry veered into the opposite lane and rammed into the oncoming three-wheeler at Murubara.
According to police, the parcel truck was travelling from Mwea towards Embu when it crossed into the opposite lane and collided with the tuk-tuk, which was heading towards Ngurubani.
The tuk-tuk was transporting farm workers from Kimbimbi to the Mwea Irrigation Research area, where they were scheduled to plant rice.
Okal said five of those who died were occupants of the tuk-tuk, while one person travelling in the parcel truck also lost their life. Two pedestrians walking along the roadside were fatally struck during the collision, bringing the death toll to eight.
The driver of the parcel truck survived the crash with minor injuries and was arrested as police launched investigations into the cause of the accident.
Two of the injured victims were admitted to Kimbimbi Hospital for treatment, while another who sustained serious injuries was referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for specialised care.
A resident who witnessed the crash claimed the lorry driver appeared to swerve in an attempt to avoid a pothole before losing control and crashing into the oncoming tuk-tuk. Police have not confirmed the account and said investigations are ongoing.
Images from the scene showed the tuk-tuk completely mangled, with its front section crushed beyond recognition. Debris from both vehicles was scattered across the highway as emergency responders and residents carried out rescue operations.
The latest crash adds to growing concern over road safety on Kenya’s highways, where speeding, dangerous overtaking and poor road conditions continue to contribute to fatal accidents.
Police have urged motorists to observe traffic rules and exercise caution as investigations into the crash continue.
