Grief has engulfed a family in Rukanga village, located in Mutithi Ward, Kirinyaga County, following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of three family members on Wednesday morning, July 3, 2025.
The victims—20-year-old Jackson Mwangi, his mother Susan Wanjiru, and his 75-year-old grandmother Beth Wanjiru—were involved in a fatal collision along the Mwea–Embu highway, in the Research area. According to family spokesman John Gakotho, the trio had been returning home from the Wang’uru Law Courts, where they had gone for the mention of a court case involving Jackson.
“Jackson was accompanied by his mother and grandmother after attending a court mention,” Gakotho explained. “They were heading home on a motorcycle when the tragedy occurred.”
Further details reveal that Jackson had been remanded at Mwea GK Prison for 12 days after pleading not guilty to a defilement charge. His release had been secured by his grandmother, Beth, who used her title deed as bond to secure his freedom.
The family now faces a difficult emotional and financial burden, with community leaders appealing for support. Peter Gaitho, a lay leader at ACK Rukanga Church, and Pastor Wainaina Ngirigaca of AIPCA Church, made an emotional plea for assistance to help the family give the three a dignified burial.
“I never imagined the news I heard on Inooro FM involved my own loved ones—my sister Beth, her grandson Jackson, and her daughter-in-law Susan,” said Beatrice Mukami Maina, still reeling from the shock of the triple tragedy.
According to a report from Mwea West Sub-County police, the motorcycle being ridden by Jackson veered out of its lane and entered the opposite side of the road, crashing head-on into a matatu that was heading toward Ngurubani from Makutano. All three motorcycle occupants died on the spot due to the force of the impact.
The matatu driver, Michael Njue, told police that he was driving from Nairobi to Meru when the motorcycle suddenly swerved into his lane, giving him no time to react. The impact was so strong that the motorcycle became wedged beneath the front of the matatu.
As investigations continue, the Kirinyaga community remains in mourning, with leaders, residents, and the clergy calling for improved road safety measures on the busy highway to prevent further loss of life.
