A tragic accident in Nyeri County has left one police recruit dead and 24 others seriously injured after a private vehicle rammed into them during their early morning routine jog.
The incident occurred on Friday, January 23, at about 2:45 a.m. along the Marua–Chaka road near the Rubis Petrol Station, barely a kilometre from Kiganjo Police Station. According to police reports, the recruits were jogging when a speeding Toyota Fielder lost control and ploughed into the group.
The deceased, a 24-year-old recruit, was rushed to Mathari Mission Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been preserved at the hospital mortuary. The other 24 recruits sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital, where medical teams are working to stabilize their condition.
Senior officer at Kiganjo Police College, who requested anonymity, said: “Our recruits are disciplined and dedicated. This tragedy has shaken the entire college community. We are working with investigators to ensure justice is served and that such an incident does not happen again.”
Police have detained the driver of the vehicle for questioning as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are probing whether reckless driving or negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The accident has cast a dark shadow over the Kiganjo Police College, located close to the crash site, where recruits undergo rigorous training to prepare for service. For many, the incident is a painful reminder of the risks faced even during routine exercises.
As Nyeri residents and the wider police fraternity mourn the fallen recruit, calls have intensified for stricter road safety measures along the Marua–Chaka stretch, a busy route often used by motorists and pedestrians alike.
