This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On November 7, 2017, a tragic road crash occurred on the Nyeri-Nairobi highway, claiming the life of Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru. The incident was recalled by former Athi Water Services Board Chair Wachira Keen, who was one of the first people to arrive at the scene.
According to Keen, Gakuru was trapped inside his official Mercedes Benz for 40 minutes after the accident. Keen, who was heading to Nairobi for a board meeting at the time, recounted how Gakuru was groaning in pain as rescuers tried to free him from the mangled wreck.
On cross-examination, Keen denied holding any political grudge against Gakuru, despite both being candidates for the TNA ticket in the 2013 governor's seat election. Keen testified that more than six candidates participated in the nomination, but they all lost to Gakuru, who later lost the governorship to Nderitu Gachagua.
Keen's testimony was part of an inquest into Gakuru's death, which was held at a Nyeri Court. The inquest was presided over by Nyeri Chief Magistrate Wendy Kagendo.
