Traffic Police Officers Killed in Accident as Fire Destroys Prison Staff Quarters
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A traffic police officer was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the Makadara area of Nairobi, Kenya, as 21 staff houses were razed to the ground by fire at the Kerugoya Prison in Kirinyaga County, leaving officers without their belongings.
Corporal Joyce Muthoni Mwicigi, Service Number 69164, died from her injuries at Nairobi West Hospital on 22nd August 22, 2026, a day after she was hit by an Isuzu lorry at a junction.
A police source at Makongeni Police Station said Corporal Mwicigi was controlling traffic at the junction of Lungalunga Road and Mogadishu Road when it happened at about 12.30 PM.
The lorry, registration KZQ 282, was on its way from the House of Manji area heading to Donholm when Corporal Mwicigi ordered the driver to stop so that other motorists could join him on Mogadishu Road.
According to the police, the lorry driver disobeyed the officer, hit her, and drove off, hitting three other cars before the driver fled from the scene on foot.
Corporal Mwicigi fractured her pelvis, sustained some facial injuries, and suffered numerous bruises.
She was rushed to Nairobi West Hospital by emergency workers, and after approximately 26 hours of treatment, she passed away the following day at 2:10 P.M. at Nairobi West Hospital.
Police have issued an alert for the driver, who remains at large.
Authorities towed the three damaged vehicles to a police yard for further investigation.
Kerugoya Prison Staff Quarters
Meanwhile, a fire at the prison staff quarters in Kerugoya destroyed 21 wooden houses and the personal belongings of prison officers.
Firefighters from Kirinyaga County arrived at the scene in time to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the surrounding areas.
Peter Muriithi led the firefighting team.
“We acted very swiftly, and it is due to our effectiveness that the fire did not destroy everything,” Muriithi said.
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According to Kirinyaga County Police Commander Mohamed Jire, 21 houses were razed, and the police officers who stayed there lost their belongings.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a lit candle may have caused the fire.
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County’s Firefighting Capabilities
The incident has also revived concerns about Kirinyaga’s preparedness to fight fires.
Kerugoya Ward MCA Eric Muchina questioned why the county still relies on water bowsers to fight fires despite the County Assembly setting aside KSh50 million for firefighting equipment.
“This is not the first incident,” Muchina said.
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Kerugoya Prison staff quarters in Kirinyaga, Nairobi, Kenya. PHOTO/Courtesy.