Residents of Kiraro village in Maara, Tharaka Nithi, are in mourning following a tragic accident that claimed the life of local farmer Kimathi Mbaya on Thursday afternoon.
The accident occurred when a pawpaw tree, uprooted during Mbaya’s farming activities, fell on him, resulting in instant death.
Mbaya, who had spent the day planting bananas and pruning his trees, was taking a break to pick a ripe pawpaw when the incident occurred.
The impact of the fallen tree was fatal, and despite efforts from nearby residents to lift the tree and free him, Mbaya was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbor Eliaza Kamundi, who heard screams and went to investigate, recounted the shocking discovery.
“I was roasting maize when I heard something fall but assumed it was just a branch from the tree he was pruning,” Kamundi said.
“It was only when some young men alerted me to the mishap that I realized the gravity of the situation.”
Local residents, who gathered at the scene, expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the bizarre accident.
Kinyua Nabea, another resident, remembered Mbaya as a hardworking individual dedicated to his farm and other errands.
“In the morning, I saw him planting banana suckers only to hear later that he had died. It seems he was trying to pick the pawpaw when the tree fell on him,” Nabea said.
