A Kenyan family based in Waterloo, Iowa, is mourning the devastating loss of three siblings who died following a road accident in Kenya during what was meant to be a joyful family holiday.
The fatal crash occurred on January 4, 2026, along the Naivasha highway, cutting short the lives of Emmanuel DeLeon, 13, Kairu Winkelpleck, 6, and their elder sister, Njeri DeLeon, 16. The children were visiting Kenya with their parents when the accident happened.
Emmanuel and Kairu died at the scene, while Njeri sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a Nairobi hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma. Despite efforts by medical staff, Njeri passed away on Friday evening, days after the crash.
The three children are the sons and daughter of Wangui Ndirangu, formerly of New Jersey and now residing in Iowa. They are niece and nephews of Kairu Ndirangu, Wamuyu, Njeri, and Daisy Kariuki, and the grandchildren of the late Charity Ndirangu and the late Jim Ndirangu.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through both the Kenyan and American communities connected to the family.
Family remains in Kenya
The parents, who survived the crash and were not seriously injured, have remained in Kenya to make funeral arrangements. Meetings are ongoing at the International Christian Church Centre, Nairobi, on Mombasa Road from 5pm to 7pm daily.
A memorial service for all three children will be held at the International Christian Centre, Nairobi, on Friday, January 23, from 10:00 am. This will be followed by a funeral service at Kariokor Crematorium on Saturday, January 24, starting at 7 a.m.
The deaths come amid renewed concern over road safety in Kenya, particularly along major highways, where fatal accidents continue to claim lives despite ongoing safety campaigns.
Young lives cut short
Emmanuel DeLeon was a 13-year-old eighth grader at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo. Known for his cheerful personality, he left a strong impression on classmates and teachers alike.
“Emmanuel always had a positive attitude and brightened everyone’s day,” said Amanda Anderson-Murty. Another family friend, Ciara Oder, recalled his infectious joy, saying he was “always happy and full of laughter.”
His younger brother, Kairu Winkelpleck, was six years old and a first-grade pupil at Royal Legacy Christian Academy. Friends and relatives described him as energetic and deeply loved by those around him.
Their elder sister, Njeri DeLeon, was a 16-year-old junior at West High School. She had recently joined the school’s cheerleading team and made her debut in August 2025 at the UNI-Dome. Though initially nervous, she quickly embraced the sport and earned admiration from her teammates for her commitment and enthusiasm.
A former teacher, Glenda Griffin, described Njeri as “sweet, caring, and kindhearted,” adding that she had “the most beautiful smile.”
US schools and community mourn
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief from schools in Waterloo.
In a statement posted on January 8, Hoover Middle School confirmed the deaths of Emmanuel and Kairu and noted that Njeri was at the time in critical condition in a Kenyan hospital.
“We are heartbroken to share that Emmanuel, one of our 8th graders at Hoover Middle School, and his younger brother passed away at the scene,” the school said in part. The statement also called on the community to support the family during the difficult period.
Following Njeri’s passing, tributes from students, teachers, and community members continued to pour in, reflecting the deep impact the three siblings had made despite their young ages.
The school has opened a GoFundMe account, urging well-wishers to consider donating to the family.
“If you’re unable to, please help by sharing this link. https://gofund.me/32ccad1da. ”
Latest reports show that the GoFundMe account has already raised $66,392 from the targeted $70,000, with over 870 donations recorded.
by Tabnacha Odeny
