Tragedy in Kirinyaga as two brothers, 8 and 3, killed by falling tree limb

The residents, led by Sicily Wambere, said they had been raising concerns with NIA for over 10 years but no action has been taken.
“We are wondering whether the National Irrigation Authority was waiting for children to die. This tree has been here for over 60 years and it must be removed,” said resident Peter Kinyua.

NIA officials were yet to comment on the matter by the time of publication of this article.

According to family members led by their grandfather, Dominic Muriuki, the two children were having tea as they prepared for school when the tree crashed onto their house.

Muriuki said he was not in the house at the time of the incident, and the boys were being prepared for school by their grandmother, Nancy Muthoni.
“I was shocked to see my grandsons lying helpless on the ground in their school uniforms. My neighbour, Patrick Wambugu, rushed them to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, but they were pronounced dead on arrival,” he said.

Nyangati Location Chief, Immaculate Wanjiru Njoka, confirmed the incident, saying the family had rented the house from NIA.
“It is unfortunate we lost two boys aged three and eight after a branch of the tree fell on their home,” she said.

Residents said they grew more concerned after a branch from the same tree fell on power lines, accusing NIA of negligence.
“We will not allow another incident to happen. This tree must be cut down, or we will block the Mwea-Embu highway,” one resident warned.

Detectives from Mwea-East sub-county have since launched investigations.