By Fridah Mbuvi, June 16, 2026
Nyandarua County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) John Rioba died on the spot while Uasin Gishu Member of County Assembly Regina Chumba sustained serious injuries following a devastating nine-vehicle pile-up at Karai along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
Traffic authorities confirmed that the accident occurred after a commercial Sinotruk truck travelling towards Nakuru suffered sudden brake failure, causing the driver to lose control before crashing into multiple vehicles and eventually plunging into a roadside ditch.
The collision involved nine vehicles, including private saloon cars, heavy-duty lorries, public service matatus and the official Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) vehicle carrying the Nyandarua CCIO.
Police said John Rioba succumbed to injuries instantly due to the impact of the crash.
Uasin Gishu MCA Regina Chumba sustained severe blunt chest injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Two foreign nationals travelling in a Land Cruiser involved in the accident escaped with minor cuts, while several other motorists suffered varying injuries.
Authorities said the driver of the Sinotruk truck fled the scene immediately after the crash and is currently being sought by police.
Traffic officers and emergency response teams moved quickly to clear the scene as the accident caused heavy traffic congestion along both sides of the busy highway.
All the damaged vehicles were towed to Naivasha Police Station, where they will undergo mechanical inspection as investigations into the incident continue.
Police have launched a manhunt for the truck driver as they seek to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
