The Nyahururu athletic community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of David Maina Mwangi, a rising young talent who died instantly after being struck by a vehicle on Sunday morning. The accident occurred along the Nyahururu–Nyeri highway as Maina was jogging from his home in Gwa-Kung’u to the Nyahururu Stadium for training.

Maina’s untimely death sent shockwaves through the region’s athletic fraternity. Training sessions across Nyahururu were abruptly halted as athletes rushed to the Mairo Inya Police Station, where his body was initially taken for documentation before being moved to the Nyahururu County Hospital mortuary.

Leaders of the Nyahururu Athletes Welfare Association, including patron Joel Kimaru and treasurer Daniel Lesinko Pasiay, joined grieving family members at the mortuary. The emotional scene, marked by heartbreaking cries from relatives, drew a large crowd of sympathizers.

Japan-based athlete Simon Saidimu, who had just completed a long-distance run from Nyahururu to Rumuruti, recalled the moment his team received the devastating news: “We immediately abandoned our warm-down routine and rushed back.”

Maina, known for his dedication and potential, had been actively competing in the Eldoret Town Hall time trials—an important stepping stone for young athletes aspiring for scholarships in the United States.

In tribute to his memory, Kimaru announced that the athletic community will come together to support Maina’s family through the burial process, standing in solidarity with those he left behind.

Maina’s passing is a painful reminder of the risks faced by Kenya’s road-running athletes and the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect them.