Clergy and Kikuyu elders seek divine intervention over road fatalities

Members of the Limuru Pastors Association, together with Kikuyu elders, gathered to conduct spiritual prayers aimed at cleansing the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, specifically between Kamandura junction on the Mai Mahiu road and Ngarariga in Limuru, which has been the scene of fatal accidents over the past weeks.

Their intervention follows a tragic 24-hour period during which 12 lives were lost.

Earlier in the week, a separate incident involving a private matatu overturning on the same stretch claimed seven lives. The exact cause of that crash remains unclear.

Shockingly, before authorities could even clear the debris from that accident, another fatal collision occurred on April 11, roughly two kilometres away from the first scene.

That second crash resulted in an additional seven fatalities.

The matatu, which was heading to Nairobi from Kijabe, reportedly struck a boulder and overturned, resulting in the immediate deaths of seven passengers.

Residents of Kamandura recalled hearing the screech of sudden braking, followed by a loud crash. By the time the vehicle came to a halt, seven people had lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries.

The injured were rushed to Tigoni Level Four Hospital for treatment, while the deceased were taken to the Tigoni morgue.

Speaking on Wednesday, Pastor Paul Wandati of the Limuru Pastors Association stated that they had convened to offer prayers and consecrate the highway to God.

"There have been tragic accidents happening between Kamandura and Ngarariga. We prayed and advised drivers to be cautious, especially during the Easter holidays. KENHA has also assured us that they will put the necessary road markings in place to help prevent further loss of life," said Pastor Wandati.

He called on motorists to remain especially vigilant when driving through the short stretch of road, which has claimed many lives and brought immense grief to families and the country at large.

Pastor Moses Muthui of Jesus Glory Ministry in Limuru noted that the alarming recurrence of deadly crashes along the three-kilometre section compelled them to seek divine intervention.

"Last week was particularly bad. More than ten people lost their lives in this section. Limuru tends to be misty and foggy during this season, and visibility is poor along this stretch. I call upon drivers to exercise caution to avoid more pain and loss for families," said Pastor Muthui.

He further expressed the Limuru community’s gratitude to KENHA for its plans to upgrade the road into a dual carriageway, but cautioned that without responsible driving, even the most advanced infrastructure can turn deadly.

Just hours after the clergy concluded their prayers, a group of Kikuyu elders—clad in traditional attire—assembled at the same location to carry out a cleansing ritual.

The ceremony was intended to dispel any lingering spirits thought to be behind the recurring accidents, while also invoking divine protection.