By Erestinah Jane, June 30, 2026
Inspector Felistus Kateve Mbaluka, the officer commanding the Makutano Police Patrol Base in Mwala Sub-County, Machakos County, has died following a tragic road accident along the Machakos–Kitui highway.
The fatal crash occurred at around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, in the King’atwani area, a section of the highway known for heavy traffic and occasional accidents.
According to preliminary police reports, Inspector Mbaluka was driving a Toyota Vitz from Machakos towards Kitui when her vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with an Isuzu FRR lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction.
The impact of the collision left the police officer with severe injuries, including multiple fractures to her hands, legs and neck. Emergency responders and members of the public rushed to the scene and helped transport her to Tumaini Private Hospital in Masii Town for emergency treatment.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to save her life, Inspector Mbaluka succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The driver of the Isuzu lorry survived the accident. Police said he escaped with injuries and is expected to assist investigators as they seek to establish the circumstances that led to the crash.
Following the incident, traffic police officers visited the scene to document evidence and facilitate the removal of the wreckage to restore the flow of traffic along the busy highway. The severely damaged vehicles were later towed to a police yard for inspection as part of the ongoing investigations.
Inspector Mbaluka’s body was transferred to Montezuma Funeral Home, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Police have launched investigations to establish the cause of the collision, with officers expected to examine factors such as the speed of the two vehicles, the condition of the road, weather conditions at the time of the accident, and whether mechanical failure or human error may have contributed to the tragedy.
Her death has been received with shock by colleagues, friends and residents of Mwala Sub-County, where she served as the officer in charge of Makutano Police Patrol Base. She was widely known for overseeing security operations within the area and working closely with local administrators and residents in maintaining law and order.
The incident adds to the growing number of fatal road crashes reported on Kenyan highways, prompting renewed calls for motorists to exercise caution, especially when travelling at night. Authorities continue to urge drivers to observe traffic regulations, avoid dangerous overtaking and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to help reduce road accidents.
