Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has expressed condolences to the families of eight people who lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Mwea–Embu Highway, urging motorists and all road users to embrace greater responsibility to prevent further loss of life.

In a statement following Saturday's fatal crash at Murubara near the Kimbimbi Red Soil area, Waiguru described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that had left the county in mourning.

"The tragic road accident at Kimbimbi Red Soil that claimed eight precious lives yesterday has left us all deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the injured, and everyone affected by this devastating tragedy," she said.

The governor prayed for the families of the victims and those injured in the crash.

"I pray that God grants eternal rest to those we have lost, comforts those grieving during this incredibly difficult time, and gives strength and healing to those receiving treatment," Waiguru said.

She also called on Kenyans to prioritise road safety, saying the tragedy should serve as a reminder of the need for responsible road use.

"As we mourn, let us all embrace greater responsibility on our roads and work together to promote a culture of road safety that protects every life," she added.

The accident occurred on Saturday morning when a parcel truck travelling from Mwea towards Embu reportedly veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a tuk-tuk transporting rice farm workers to the Mwea Irrigation Research area, where they were scheduled to plant rice.

According to Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal, five of those killed were occupants of the tuk-tuk, while one person travelling in the parcel truck also died. Two pedestrians walking along the roadside were fatally struck during the collision.

Three other people were injured in the crash. Two were admitted to Kimbimbi Hospital, while one with serious injuries was referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

The driver of the parcel truck survived with minor injuries and was arrested as police launched investigations into the cause of the accident.

The accident in Kirinyagta occurred barely a day after seven people were killed and eight others seriously injured in a road crash at Mlima Punda near Lessos Junction along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

The crash involved a Mercedes Actros trailer and two public service vehicles.

According to the police, the trailer was travelling towards Eldoret when it attempted to overtake while descending a hill, colliding head-on with two oncoming Toyota Hiace matatus.