Two cousins killed in accident between pickup ferrying miraa and motorcycle

Two cousins were on Tuesday night crushed to death in a road accident at Difathas market in Kirinyaga County. 

Police identified the cousins as Philip Njagi, a teen who sat his Form Four exam this year, and 29-year-old Anthony Kariuki. Both are from Karigi village in Gichugu Constituency.

The duo were riding a motorcycle when a Toyota Hilux vehicle ferrying miraa ran over them. 

They succumbed to injuries on the spot in the accident which triggered protests from local residents. 

According to witnesses, the vehicle was travelling from Meru to Nairobi when the driver lost control and hit the motorcycle travelling in the same direction.

The motorcycle was dragged on the road for several metres before it came to a stop.

The two cousins were reportedly heading home when they met their death. 

Driver sped off

After the accident, local residents were baying for the driver's blood. Sensing danger, he sped off with residents in hot pursuit.

They later barricaded the busy road to demand arrest and prosecution of the driver. It took intervention of the police to restore calm in the area.

Later, police intercepted the vehicle and arrested the driver.

Mwea East Sub-County police boss Mohammed Jarso said the driver will be charged with causing death by careless driving.

The bodies of the victims were moved to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary.