Kirinyaga: Residents raise alarm over reckless miraa drivers

Residents of Ngurubani and Kagio in Kirinyaga County have accused miraa and muguka transporters of flouting traffic regulations.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, locals noted that cases of reckless driving have been reported along the busy Mwea–Embu Highway, raising fears of more fatal accidents.

The residents say the drivers had previously agreed to reduce speed after a series of deadly crashes, including one in which a boda boda rider was killed, prompting protests that forced the vehicles off the route.

They had since been using the Samson Corner–Kutus–Kagio–Sagana road.However, locals claim the pickups have returned to the Mwea–Embu Highway and are once again speeding through trading centres, including at night.

Ngurubani resident Gudson Muchina said the drivers continue to endanger traders and motorists despite an earlier agreement to observe speed limits.

Kagio traders have also raised concern, saying the drivers overspeed and hoot recklessly despite the market being located along the highway.

Boda boda riders’ chairman Michael Kamau warned that operators would block the pickups from using both the Mwea–Embu Highway and the alternative route if the dangerous driving persists.

Residents say the drivers have ignored previous warnings despite past accidents that claimed lives, including those of school-going children.

 

They are urging traffic police to enforce speed limits and ensure the transporters comply with road safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.