By Lauryne Akoth
In the somber aftermath of a tragic accident that occurred on 3rd February 2024 along the Nyahururu-Nyeri Road, where the lives of the driver and five passengers were claimed, a poignant narrative of unexpected heroism emerged.
During the burial ceremony in Murang’a county, Francis Manyeki, the matatu driver who tragically lost his life along with five passengers in the accident, received rare accolades.
The 54-year-old driver, who was driving the vehicle operated by MTN Matatu Sacco before the accident won the admiration of colleagues, the clergy, and road safety officials over his honesty and dedication to work.
Francis tragically lost his life along with five members of the Muranga Catholic Woman Association (CWA) when their vehicle, traveling from the Subukia Shrine, was struck by a trailer at Mahiga Meru along the Nyahururu – Nyeri road in Nanyuki County.
Four individuals perished immediately, and an additional two succumbed to injuries during treatment.
The Nyeri Catholic Bishop Anthony Muheria who presided over the burial service at Gaitega Primary School grounds in Kiharu constituency termed Manyeki as a rare individual whom he said had booked a ticket to heaven for being honest and forthright.
He mentioned that it’s highly uncommon for someone to give back money, describing Manyeki’s action of returning a sum of Sh 2 million to a forgetful customer as a commendable feat.
Bishop Rev Joseph Mwongela of the Kitui Catholic Diocese said Kenyans must obey traffic rules and
avoid causing accidents that could otherwise be avoided.
Similarly, members of the Road Safety Association of Kenya who attended the burial led by the Chairman David Kiarie termed him as an unsung hero who needs to be emulated by his peers in the industry.
Kiarie expressed that ever since the responsibility of vehicle inspection was shifted from the traffic police department to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), there has been a noticeable
increase in fatal accidents.
He suggested that the inspection of vehicles should go back to being conducted by the police.
Additionally, he reiterated his earlier claim that greedy government officials were to blame for the killer accidents which he said were mainly caused by vehicles which do not undergo inspection after their owners allegedly part with bribes.
Also in attendance for the burial, Edward Gitonga of the Road Safety and Speed Governors Association concurred and maintained that most of the fatal accidents were caused by trailers that had mechanical
problems.
An MTN Matatu Sacco representative, Bedan Njuguna, spoke about their driver who tragically lost his life in the accident.
Njuguna remembered the deceased driver as among the best and most trustworthy drivers.
A joint burial service for the victims, including five members of the Muranga Catholic Women’s Guild and the matatu driver drew thousands of residents.
Also in attendance for the burial was Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
The governor, local leaders, and speakers at the burial were all in agreement that accidents could be avoided if motorists adhered to the traffic regulations.
The deceased were identified as Jacinta Nyarua (67), Jane Njeri (52), Mercy Waithera (45), Veronica, Wambui (47), Jane Wanjiku Gitau (61) and the driver, Manyeki (54).