Residents of Difathas and its surrounding areas are in shock following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of a couple on the busy Mwea–Embu Highway on Wednesday night.
The victims, identified as Michael Mbugua Karaba, 52, and his wife Felister Mbugua, 48, were travelling home to Murinduko after attending the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, a relative.
According to eyewitnesses, the couple—who were riding a motorcycle—were struck by a vehicle attempting to overtake a lorry while heading towards Difathas from Embu. The impact threw Felister off the road, while Michael was trapped beneath the motorcycle. Both died.
The accident came to light when the couple’s phone rang and was answered by their son, helping identify them as residents of Murinduko. Family members, including David Mwai and Martin Mwaura, later arrived at the scene and confirmed their identities, noting their relation to the late senator.
“It’s a double tragedy,” said a visibly shaken Mwaura. “We have just buried Karaba, and now we are mourning two more people. It is too much.”
Residents have expressed growing concern over the rising number of accidents along the highway. “A schoolboy was killed here last week,” said Joseph Mwangi, a local resident. “Something needs to be done to stop these accidents.”
The vehicle involved in the crash, which was carrying five adults and two children, was reportedly travelling to Nairobi from Meru after a burial ceremony. Both the vehicle and the motorcycle were towed to Wang’uru Police Station as investigations continue.
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