Two journalists die in Kirinyaga road accident

Two radio presenters died on the spot following a road accident involving a motorcycle and a saloon car at Riandira Trading Centre along the busy Sagana - Makutano highway in Kirinyaga County.

The two are a producer and a presenter at Radio Thome, a local online community radio station based in Ngurubani town.

Mwea West sub-county police commander Rashid Ali said the motorcycle and Toyota Probox were heading in the same direction towards Makutano town from Sagana when the accident happened.

Ali said Stephen Waigwa,21, was riding the motorcycle, and on board was a pillion passenger, 20, Caroline Kamunya.

On reaching Riandira SDA church, the motorcycle on the left lane immediately turned to the right to join an interchange on the right side of the road to get to Riandira SDA church.

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As a result of the impact, the rider and the pillion passenger died on the spot, and the driver of the Toyota Probox vehicle and occupants sustained various injuries and were rushed to different hospitals.

Mwangi wa Wangu, the head of Radio Thome, said that the two had left Kutus town, where the radio station staff was having anniversary celebrations to mark four years since the station went on air.

"We spent the day in a very jovial way, where our listeners had joined us to celebrate four years of our existence, and in the evening, the two left early, as they were going to church for evening prayers only to receive a call later that they had an accident," he said.

Mwangi said that the community lost young and talented youths who had a very bright future in the broadcasting industry. "We are still in shock. Losing two members of staff after such a jovial and wonderful day is not easy," he posed.

The bodies of the two have been taken to Kerugoya Hospital Mortuary, awaiting postmortem.