Six people have died and others seriously injured after their minivan plunged into River Kiama in Gatanga, Murang'a County, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. They were returning home from a dowry ceremony in Kiambu County. The driver claimed brake failure before losing control.
The accident occurred at Wacengu Bridge over River Kiama in Gatanga, Murang'a County, when a white minivan with a capacity of 14 passengers plunged into the river. Reports indicate the vehicle carried 16 people and one child, returning from a dowry ceremony in Nazareth village, Kiambu County, to Kahunyo or Chomo-Kahunyu. The front section of the vehicle was fully submerged, and darkness exacerbated the situation.
The deceased include Amos Kihara Kamau, Alice Wambui Mwangi, Elijah Kamau Macharia, Peter Mwangi Macharia, Paul Karanja Macharia, and an unidentified woman who boarded en route. Three relatives from the same family, including a husband, wife, and their son, were among those who lost their lives. The driver, who also died, claimed the brakes failed, leading to loss of control.
Murang'a County Commander Charles Muriithi confirmed the six deaths and stated that the injured were taken to Kirwara Level Four Hospital and Murang'a Level Five Hospital. County Health Officer Eliud Maina added that six arrived at the hospital already deceased, with two in critical condition, two with serious injuries, and others with minor wounds. Security forces and emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist.
This incident adds to the rising number of road accidents in the country, though security authorities did not specify the exact number of passengers.