At least two people died on Saturday after a speeding Miraa pickup plowed through two unsuspecting pedestrians along the Kitui-Kibwezi Road in Kitui County.
The accident that occurred at Kwa Toma, near Kyatune Market, saw two people, a pastor and a businessperson, who were on the roadside die on the spot.
According to eyewitnesses who saw the accident, the driver of the Miraa pickup lost control before ramming into the pedestrians.
Since the vehicle was at high speed, the impact was so huge that both pedestrians died instantly with their bodies thrown several meters away from the scene.
Speaking to the press, the area chief, Kyambati King'ondu, confirmed the deaths of the two pedestrians. Their bodies have since been transferred to the nearby Mutomo Level 4 Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem.
The police have launched investigations to establish what led to the tragic accident involving the Miraa vehicle along the Kitui-Kibwezi Road, which in recent months has claimed many lives.
Former Cabinet Secretaries of EAC, Arid, and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development Peninah Malonza condoled with the family through her official X handle, saying the loss was painful.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident this morning at Kwa-Toma Market Centre, Kyatune, Mutomo, Kitui County, which claimed the lives of two individuals—a pastor and a businessperson. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and the entire community," she tweeted.
She urged all Miraa transporters to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations. "Over speeding is reckless and endangers everyone on the road. Let us commit to responsible driving, respect for speed limits, and the protection of lives to prevent further tragedies," the former CS added.
It comes as residents pf the area have long endured brunt of over speeding by Miraa drivers. Recently, there have been several accidents involving Miraa pickups, sparking outrage among the affected communities. Residents are calling for urgent intervention.
Separately, two other people died in a gruesome accident along the Machakos-Kitui Road on Friday evening in Machakos County.
The incident that took place near Kaseve was a head-on collision between a 14-seater matatu belonging to Naekana Sacco and a Probox.
Two people, including a former deputy principal of Muthetheni Mixed deputy principal, died on the spot.
Machakos County police commander Patrick Lobolia said the duo included the driver of a Probox motor vehicle and his passenger.
Several other passengers who sustained injuries were rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where unfortunately some were announced dead on arrival.
