At least four people were killed on Wednesday morning in a road accident along the Meru-Nanyuki highway, police said.
Four others were injured in the accident, which occurred at around 1 a.m. in the Timau area.
Police said this comes amid a spate of accidents, with at least 16 people killed in separate crashes on Tuesday alone, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle the menace.
According to police, the accident happened after a Toyota Hilux pick-up dislodged its right front tyre while racing towards Nanyuki.
The driver lost control and collided with an oncoming Probox.
The Hilux was carrying three passengers.
Two of them died on the spot, while the driver of the Probox and a female passenger also died at the scene.
The remaining four passengers sustained multiple injuries and were rushed to a local hospital in serious condition.
The bodies were taken to the mortuary, and the wrecked vehicles were towed to the police station.
Separately, along Chuka-Embu Road, two pedestrians were fatally hit while walking off the road.
The accident occurred after a lorry driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming matatu that was overtaking.
The lorry, which was carrying bananas at the time, was involved in the crash on Tuesday, police said.
The victims’ bodies were moved to the mortuary pending autopsy and investigations.
On Tuesday, 16 people died in separate accidents across the country.
The victims included six pedestrians, five passengers, four riders, and a driver.
Police reported 25 people were seriously injured in these incidents.
The injured included 13 passengers, six pedestrians, three pillion passengers, and two riders.
Those hurt are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
So far this year, police say more than 4,500 people have died in separate accidents, a figure higher than that recorded in 2024.
Officials point to reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving as among the leading causes of road accidents nationwide, continuing to claim lives despite ongoing public safety campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Mechanical failures from poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes.
In addition, poor road conditions—such as potholes, confusing signage, and inadequate lighting—make travel increasingly hazardous, particularly at night.
Authorities say efforts are being made to address the road safety crisis.
by CYRUS OMBATI
