Team hunts boda boda riders after car torched following fatal accident in Othaya

Police have launched investigations following an incident in which a car was set ablaze after being involved in a fatal road accident in Othaya Town, Nyeri County.

According to police, the incident occurred on January 7, 2026, in the Wamagana area.

A Toyota Wish was involved in an accident in which a boda boda rider sustained fatal injuries.

Traffic officers who responded to the scene processed the accident and directed the driver to proceed to the local police station.

However, the vehicle was later obstructed a short distance from the scene by a group of riders.

Witnesses said the situation became tense, forcing the driver to abandon the vehicle as it was vandalised and later set on fire.

Police officers at the scene withdrew temporarily as they sought reinforcement from colleagues.

By the time additional officers arrived, those involved had fled.

The burnt vehicle was towed to the police station as investigations continue.

Police said a team has been set up to pursue those responsible for the incident.

The destruction of the vehicle caused traffic disruption in the area and has drawn condemnation from the Motorists Association of Kenya, which expressed concern over a growing pattern of violence following road accidents.

Police noted that similar incidents have been reported in recent months in different parts of the country, including Nairobi, Salgaa in Nakuru County, and along Thika Road.

All cases remain under investigation.

Separately, police are investigating an attempted robbery at Kimatu Coffee Factory in Gathoge, Kirinyaga County.

Authorities said a group of suspected thieves gained entry into the factory after cutting through a barbed wire fence and attacked two security guards.

Two other guards managed to escape and alert residents, who responded to the scene.

The guards sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.

The suspects fled after residents arrived and later abandoned several empty sacks in a nearby forest.

Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.