BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Reckless driving by sand-carrying lorries along the Kiritiri–Siakago road has again come under sharp scrutiny following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a three-year-old child near Kiritiri Police Station in Mbeere South Sub-county in Embu County.
The child died on the spot on Tuesday after a sand-laden lorry hit a motorcycle at the busy Kiritiri–Siakago junction.
The child’s mother and the motorcycle rider sustained serious injuries and received treatment at separate health facilities.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcycle indicated before joining the Siakago road when the lorry, allegedly travelling at high speed, rammed into it. The impact threw the riders onto the road, killing the child instantly.
Residents said the tragedy highlighted a long-standing safety concern along the stretch, which serves as a major route for sand transportation.
They accused some lorry drivers of speeding, ignoring road signs and failing to slow down at junctions despite the heavy flow of pedestrians and boda boda operators.
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“This road has become very dangerous because sand lorries move at high speed and rarely slow down, even at junctions. Unless strict action is taken, more innocent lives will be lost,” said John Ngari, a resident of Kiritiri.
Another resident, Lydia Mbuya, blamed weak enforcement of traffic regulations, saying accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles had become frequent in the area.
“We have raised concerns many times, but nothing seems to change. Authorities need to act before more families suffer the pain of losing their loved ones,” Mbuya said.
Residents have called on authorities to enforce tougher road safety measures, including speed checks, clear signage and increased police patrols, to prevent further accidents and loss of life along the busy road.
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