Shock and sorrow engulfed the residents of Voo sub-county in Kitui after a lorry suspected to be transporting illicit alcohol was swept away by flash floods from the Thua River.
The incident, which occurred during heavy rainfall, has left one person dead and another narrowly escaping with her life.
The driver of the ill-fated lorry, believed to be in his late thirties, perished on the spot as the vehicle was submerged.
Eyewitnesses say he attempted to cross a swollen section of the river despite warnings from locals. His companion, a woman later revealed to be his secret lover, miraculously survived after managing to swim to safety.
She was rescued by nearby residents and later taken to Mutomo Mission Hospital in a state of shock and exhaustion.
Authorities suspect the lorry was ferrying illegal chang’aa from the remote Thua River area, a region known for its underground brewing operations.
Containers believed to contain the brew were found scattered downstream, further raising suspicions about the nature of the cargo.
Confirming the incident, Kitui County police said investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether the vehicle had been under surveillance for illegal alcohol transportation.
“This is not just an unfortunate accident; it highlights the ongoing risks associated with illicit alcohol trade and the dangers people expose themselves to,” said a local administrator.
The tragedy has sparked debate among residents and leaders alike, with many calling for stricter enforcement against chang’aa brewers and transporters.
The floodwaters have since receded, but the wreckage of the lorry remains visible — a grim reminder of the price paid when danger is ignored and the law is broken.
By Nairobi