This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, a road accident occurred on the Mwea-Embu highway in Kirinyaga County, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old man identified as Samuel Kathigo.
A speeding Toyota Probox miraa vehicle hit the pedestrian, killing him instantly. The incident sparked a violent reaction from a mob of boda boda riders, who attacked the driver and two police officers who tried to intervene.
According to eyewitnesses, the mob chanted 'Haendi, ua yeye!' (he is not leaving, kill him!) as they punched and whipped the driver, with several blows landing on the officers.
The miraa driver was rushed to the Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital after nursing injuries inflicted upon him by the angry boda boda riders.
On July 8, 2020, a boda boda operator lost his life in Defathers, Kirinyaga, in what was alleged to be another Miraa vehicle accident.
Police officers managed to take control of the situation, towing the vehicle to a nearby police station with its cargo still onboard.
