TEN people were injured on Tuesday when a lorry ferrying sand rammed into five vehicles in Juja town.
Seven others escaped unhurt.
The 10 were taken to Thika Level 5 Hospital.
Witnesses said there was a traffic snarl-up and the lorry coming at high speed screeched as if the driver was braking, but it did not stop.
The lorry driver fled after the crash.
Witnesses said the snarl-up was caused by rioting boda boda operators who had blocked the Thika Superhighway.
“We heard shots along Kenyatta Road as police tried to disperse the boda boda operators, who were rioting. After a short while we heard a bang followed by screams. We ran to the scene and saw the accident,” resident Pius Njagi said.
Martin Kiarie, a boda boda operator, said they were protesting against harassment by the police and being overcharged by the county government.
“We pay Sh300 every month to the county government and the police also usually demand some cash from us. We wanted the county officials and the administration to listen to our grievances and take action,” he said.
“We also want permission from the police to extend our working hours from 11pm to 3am.”
Ruiru police boss Isaac Thuranira said the accident may have been caused by the lorry brakes failing.
He said most accidents on the superhighway are caused by reckless driving and unroadworthy vehicles.
“We will crack down on unroadworthy vehicles,” Thuranira said.
