Africa-Press – Kenya. Traffic police in Kirinyaga County have launched a targeted crackdown on miraa and muguka vehicles violating traffic regulations, following a directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The operation, carried out in the Tebere area by officers from the Sagana Traffic Base, led to the arrest of three drivers and the impoundment of their vehicles.
The crackdown is part of a wider enforcement campaign along the Mwea–Embu highway, a route frequently used by miraa transporters.
One of the arrested drivers was reportedly driving at 119 kilometres per hour, without an inspection sticker, and with an expired driver’s licence. He was released on a Sh5,000 cash bond.
A second driver faced a charge of operating a vehicle without inspection and was also released on a Sh5,000 bond.
The third motorist was arrested for speeding and allegedly attempting to change route to avoid being flagged down by police.
Police further reported that four miraa and muguka-laden vehicles declined to stop when signalled. Their number plates were recorded, and investigations are ongoing.
The enforcement follows remarks made by CS Murkomen on August 21 during a Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Kerugoya, where he expressed concern over reckless driving by some miraa transporters.
Murkomen described the situation as a “serious threat” to the safety of residents in Kirinyaga and Embu counties.
“These miraa vehicles are being driven at breakneck speeds, endangering lives. The drivers and owners even refused to attend a meeting with the Eastern Regional Commissioner. Now, let us deal with them ruthlessly and without fear,” Murkomen said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru supported the Interior CS’s position, terming the situation a “disturbing menace.”
She noted that in the past year alone, 25 lives had been lost in accidents linked to miraa vehicles within Kirinyaga County.
She added that the actual number could be higher if fatalities from neighbouring counties were considered.
“This is no longer just a traffic issue; it’s a public safety crisis,” Waiguru said.
“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives, especially school-going children, to reckless driving.”
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