Nyandarua: Nyandarua County is mourning the untimely demise of one of its Members of the County Assembly, who tragically lost her life in a road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in the early hours of Sunday. Beth Wahito, a fourth-term nominated MCA, died on the spot after her private vehicle was struck by a Guardian Bus near the Naivasha-Kinangop junction at around 1:00 am.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bus was en route to Western Kenya when the collision occurred, cutting short her life while several bus passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital. The atmosphere at the hospital mortuary was filled with grief and disbelief, as family members, fellow MCAs, and friends gathered to mourn the loss of a leader widely regarded for her passion and commitment to public service.
Naivasha Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO), Isaac Kiama, confirmed that Wahito had been exiting Naivasha town and attempting to join the highway when the accident occurred. 'The MCA was on her way home when she was hit by a bus while joining the highway and, unfortunately, lost her life,' he said.
Leader of Majority in the Nyandarua County Assembly, Mwangi Nyaga, paid tribute to Wahito, describing her as a fierce and hardworking legislator who had served her constituents with distinction. He noted that she was returning home after attending a budget committee meeting in Naivasha. 'As a county, we have lost one of the most dedicated MCAs and on behalf of the assembly, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family,' Nyaga said. Nyaga added that arrangements were underway to transfer her body to the Umash Funeral Home in Nakuru in preparation for burial.
Fellow MCA Thuo Gachino echoed these sentiments, terming the tragedy one of the darkest moments in the county's recent history. 'She had been nominated four times, clearly indicating the respect and trust she commanded and her passing is a huge loss to us all,' he remarked. Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara eulogized Wahito as a close confidant and dedicated leader who has stood with her throughout her political journey.
The wreckage from the accident was taken to Naivasha Police Station, while the body remains at the Naivasha sub-county hospital mortuary. According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), a total of 1,139 people lost their lives in road crashes between January 1 and March 31, this year. Through the 2023 - 2027 plan, NTSA seeks to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by enhancing road infrastructure, stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and improved post-crash care. The strategic plan also seeks to incorporate necessary interventions for the bodaboda sector which continues to contribute to road fatalities by ensuring strict enforcement, training, and licensing.