Miraa Vehicle Torched After Crash

Police in Kirinyaga County have arrested a 36-year-old man accused of setting a miraa vehicle on fire after it was involved in a fatal accident along the Mwea-Embu Highway two weeks ago.

According to Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso, the suspect, Titus Wagatitu Kimani, was arrested in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The incident occurred on January 27, 2025, when a pick-up truck carrying miraa (khat) struck and killed a boda boda rider. Following the accident, the vehicle was set on fire by angry residents. Kimani was apprehended after an extensive search and brought to Wang'uru Police Station.

The victim, Geoffrey Kinyua Nyaga, 46, was a boda boda operator from Kimbimbi Village in Nyangati Ward. Despite narrowly escaping harm, the driver of the miraa vehicle was attacked by residents of Kianjiru and surrounding areas.

Speaking after the arrest, Kimani’s father, Simon Kimani, defended his son, claiming that Titus had no involvement in the incident.

The accident has sparked ongoing concerns about rogue miraa vehicles in the area. Peter Karinga, the MCA for Tebere Ward, has been leading efforts to enforce traffic regulations for miraa drivers.

"We will not relent until rogue miraa drivers are removed from our roads," said Karinga, noting that operations are being conducted to ensure drivers comply with speed limits, particularly near Ngurubani Town.

Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized that the suspect would face charges of malicious damage, and urged miraa drivers to adhere to traffic laws to avoid further incidents.