In an act of heroism, a 12-year-old boy lost his life while trying to protect his sister, 9, from a speeding matatu that had veered off the road along the Thika-Embu Road on Friday, March 4.
According to eyewitnesses, the young boy was holding his sister's left hand as they walked home in the company of four other school-going children when the matatu sped towards them.
Sensing danger, the boy went in front of his sister and tried to push her away to save her from being hit.
In the midst of the incident, eyewitnesses noted that the other children were shouting and screaming to alert the kids to get away from the matatu as well as get the attention of the driver.
Unfortunately, the matatu driver rammed into the two children killing them on the spot which disheartened the children's parents.
The couple has since confirmed that plans were underway to bury the two in one grave but different caskets at their home in Maragua.
"According to what the eyewitnesses recalled, my son is described to be a hero seeking to save his sister. It is a big loss to me and my wife who is yet to come to terms with their death," the heartbroken father remarked, according to Nation.
The father further revealed that their eldest child also passed away after being involved in a separate accident.
According to the witnesses, the matatu driver had just dropped off mourners and was in a hurry to get to the pick-up stage in Thika town.
On the issue, Gatanga Police Commander Lawrence Njeru noted that the driver of the matatu had been arrested but released on cash bail. He added that after the traffic police report, the police intends to re-arrest the driver.
Motorists on the road are urged to exercise caution to avoid increasing incidents of casualties from road accidents.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), some of the leading causes of road accidents are reckless drivers losing control, overtaking improperly, failing to adhere to the traffic lane and excessive speed among others.
