Tensions escalated in Embu County on Sunday, July 6, after an angry crowd torched a vehicle involved in a deadly road accident earlier that day.
According to reports, a black Toyota Prado—believed to be part of Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru’s motorcade—was involved in a tragic collision at the Kapigazi Bridge. The crash resulted in the deaths of a boda boda rider and his passenger, both of whom sustained fatal injuries due to the impact.
The Prado reportedly veered off the road after the collision and plunged into a ditch. At the time of reporting, the condition of those inside the car remained unclear, as no official statement had been released about the occupants’ status.
As emergency teams attempted rescue efforts, tensions boiled over when furious locals who had gathered at the scene set the vehicle ablaze. Eyewitnesses say emotions ran high, especially among fellow boda boda riders, who continued arriving in large numbers to witness the aftermath of the tragic crash.
Initial speculation had linked the torched Prado to the escort convoy that accompanied President William Ruto to the 35th Diocesan Anniversary celebrations held at St. Mark’s College, Kigari, Embu.
However, both State House and the Office of the President later clarified that the vehicle was not part of the presidential motorcade or any specialised escort unit.
The accident, which happened just a few meters from the busy Gakwegori Market, temporarily disrupted traffic flow on the Embu-Runyenjes highway. The incident drew in numerous boda boda riders and residents who gathered around to view the wreckage and aftermath.
Videos and photographs obtained by Newshub.co.ke revealed disturbing scenes at the crash site. The motorcycle involved in the collision was completely wrecked—its twisted frame suggesting that the accident was severe and left little chance for survival for the two people on board.
Meanwhile, the Prado lay overturned on its side in a ditch close to a river, indicating it had rolled several times before finally coming to a stop. It was in this spot that the enraged residents eventually set it on fire.
Interestingly, just a few hours after the initial crash, another minor road accident occurred at the same general location—near the Kapingazi-Gakwegori stretch.
In this second incident, three private vehicles sustained serious damage after what appeared to be a chain reaction collision, possibly caused by the confusion and traffic backup from the earlier accident.
Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru later confirmed that the Prado involved in the fatal crash belonged to her team. Speaking to the media, she clarified misinformation that had been circulating on social media, particularly claims that the vehicle was part of the president’s convoy.
“I want to make it clear that the accident today, which happened after the presidential event, involved my car and another motorist’s car,” she said. “There has been speculation online that it was the president’s vehicle, and I want to firmly state that it was not.”
She also assured the public that she had spoken directly to the president and informed him about the situation. “I have personally informed the president that my vehicle was involved in the accident and that I am safe. I urge everyone not to worry about my safety.”
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the accident, with both traffic officers and local leaders calling for calm as the matter is handled through legal and procedural channels.
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