9-year-old saved nine people in tragic Kiama River accident
A nine-year-old boy from Murang’a County is being hailed as a hero after his quick thinking and courageous actions saved nine passengers from drowning in the tragic Kiama River matatu accident.
Boniface Njoroge, a third grader at Getatunguru Primary School, was riding with his parents in the tragic matatu that plunged into the swollen Kiama River along the Kia-Mariba road. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was swept away by powerful currents after the driver tried to navigate a flooded section of the bridge during heavy rains.
Seated next to his friend, Boniface managed to escape by wriggling free and jumping out through a window just as the matatu started to sink.
He quickly dashed over to the nearby shopping center, calling out for help from boda boda riders and local traders. His cries caught the attention of several villagers, who hurried to the scene and started rescuing the trapped passengers with ropes and planks.
“Tulikuwa tunaenda Ruracio Kiambu, tukirudi gari ika loose control kwa Barabara ikaanguka kwa maji mimi nikaruka nikarush kusaidia wengine,” he told a local media publication on Monday, October 27, 2025.
His mother, Alice Wangechi, recounted the moment the vehicle plunged into the river. As it started to sink, she feared she had lost her son. Little did she know, it was actually her boy’s quick thinking that would end up saving them both.
“Kuna kijine mwingine alikuwa akikaa nay eye uko nyuma, Kiti ya nyuma alafu wakarukia kwa dirisha,sasa kuuliza mtoto yuko wapi nikaambiwa alienda hivyo kwa njia akaitane, Wangechi narrated.
Tragically, the boy’s father lost his life in the chaos.
Peter Gishuru, another survivor, praises Njoroge for his quick thinking, which played a crucial role in their rescue.
“Alitoka kwa mto akaenda uko juu kwa miti akaita hawa watu wa pikipiki, akasimamisha mmoja akwamwambia mama na baba wako hapa kwa maji ndo watu wakakuja wakaanza kutuokoa,” Gishuru said.
Tragically, at least six people from the same village lost their lives when the matatu they were in lost control and plunged into the Kiama River in Muranga County.
According to the police, the family hailed from Ndia village in Kariara Ward, Gatanga Constituency.
Six other passengers managed to escape with injuries and were quickly rushed to the hospital, as reported by the authorities.
The victims were all part of the same extended family, returning from a dowry ceremony in the Nazareth area of Kiambu County.
Among those who perished were a husband and wife, the police confirmed. The accident took place at Wacengu Bridge over the River Kiama on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The survivors were taken to Kirwara Hospital and Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for treatment.
Authorities are currently investigating the accident while the bodies of the victims have been moved to a local mortuary for further procedures.
9-year-old saved nine people in tragic Kiama River accident
