Four killed in Saturday crash on Northern Bypass, near Membley Bridge

Four killed in early morning collision along Northern Bypass, near Membley bridge. [Gitau Wanyoike, Standard] Four people lost their lives in a grisly road accident that occurred at around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday along the Northern Bypass, near Membley Bridge. The crash involved a Suzuki vehicle and a trailer, both of which were travelling in the same direction from the Kahawa West area. According to authorities, the Suzuki rammed into the rear of the trailer with immense impact. "The collision was fatal. All four occupants of the Suzuki-three women and one man-died on the spot," said Ruiru Sub-County Police Commander Charles Kibathi. Their bodies were removed from the wreckage and taken to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital mortuary. Commander Kibathi attributed the accident to excessive speeding, warning motorists to exercise restraint especially during the Easter holiday period. As the holiday season begins, authorities are calling on all road users to prioritize safety and remain vigilant. "No journey is worth a life. We are urging drivers to slow down and remain alert. Speeding continues to be the leading cause of such tragic incidents," Kibathi said. Those planning to drink during the festivities have been encouraged not to get behind the wheel; instead, hire a driver or make alternative transport arrangements. The incident has sparked renewed calls for caution on Kenyan roads, especially during holiday seasons when traffic surges. As Easter approaches, heavy traffic has already been reported along the Ruiru-Thika-Nyeri Highway, with a major snarl-up witnessed between Witeithie and Bluepost. Motorists described vehicle movement as painfully slow. In response to increasing accidents, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has installed new speed bumps at Makenji, along the Kenol-Thika Highway. Authorities have also blocked a dangerous U-turn at the same location, a move aimed at curbing further loss of life. "We welcome the installation of the bumps. That stretch has claimed too many lives," said Peter Kamau, a resident. "This action will go a long way in reducing speeding and saving lives." The Makenji area has been identified as a notorious blackspot. In a chilling reminder of past tragedies, the spot opposite the newly blocked U-turn is where former Nyeri Governor Dr. Wahome Gakuru lost his life in November 2017. His Mercedes-Benz lost control and crashed into roadside guardrails. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Thika Level 5 Hospital. The recent increase in traffic has also been linked to rising numbers of patients seeking care at the Kenneth Matiba Hospital in Murang'a County, which was recently opened by the county government and is drawing residents from as far as Kandara. A senior official from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) revealed that plans are underway to close a U-turn near the Blue Post Hotel. The U-turn has been identified as a frequent cause of accidents in the area. This particular U-turn is commonly used by motorists exiting the Thika Bypass through Del Monte to access the Thika-Nyeri Highway. During periods of heavy traffic at the Njomoko entrance to Thika Town, drivers also use this turn as an alternative route into the town. In 2019, just opposite the U-turn at a spot popularly known as Gatonye, renowned Kikuyu Benga artist John Ng'ang'a Mwangi, popularly known as John De'Mathew, tragically lost his life. His Nissan Navara collided with a lorry headed toward Murang'a. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Thika Nursing Home.

Four killed in Saturday crash on Northern Bypass, near Membley Bridge

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Four killed in Saturday crash on Northern Bypass, near Membley Bridge

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