A Kenyan mother living in the United States is mourning the devastating loss of her three children following a fatal road accident that occurred during a family holiday in Kenya.
Wangui Ndirangu, who resides in Waterloo, Iowa, lost her children after a serious crash along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway on January 4, 2026, turning what was meant to be a joyful family reunion into a period of unimaginable grief.
Two of the children—Emmanuel DeLeon, 13, and Kairo Christian-Ndirangu Winkelpleck, 6—died at the scene of the accident. Their elder sister, Njeri DeLeon, 16, was rushed to a Nairobi hospital in critical condition, where she was placed in a medically induced coma. She succumbed to her injuries twelve days later, on Friday, January 16.
The three siblings’ bodies are being preserved at Umash Funeral Home ahead of a joint funeral service and cremation scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at the Kariokor Crematorium in Nairobi.
Shock Across Two Continents
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Kenyan communities both at home and in the diaspora, as well as across the family’s local community in Iowa. The parents, who survived the crash without serious injuries, remained in Kenya to coordinate funeral arrangements, with daily family meetings held at the International Christian Church Centre along Mombasa Road.
In Waterloo, schools attended by the children paid tribute to their lives and character. Emmanuel, an eighth-grade student at Hoover Middle School, was remembered as cheerful, with teachers describing him as someone who brightened every room he entered.
His younger brother, Kairo, a first-grade pupil at Royal Legacy Christian Academy, was described by friends and relatives as energetic, playful, and deeply loved.
Njeri, a junior at West High School and a member of the school’s cheerleading team, was remembered as kindhearted and gentle. Former teachers described her as “sweet, caring, and kind,” noting her warm smile and quiet grace. She had joined the cheerleading team in 2025 and quickly earned admiration for her commitment and enthusiasm.
Outpouring of Support
Following news of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for Leah, Christopher and DeLeon Family” was launched by family friend Lyndie Maina to help cover medical, funeral, and travel expenses. The fundraiser has raised approximately KSh 8.6 million (about US$66,392) from more than 870 donations.
In messages shared by the family and schools, supporters were encouraged to donate or share the appeal, with organizers noting that “every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.”
During memorial services held in Nairobi, eulogies highlighted each child’s unique personality and the love they shared with their family. Emmanuel was remembered for his joyful spirit and natural leadership, Njeri for her compassion and grace, and Kairo as the family’s “little sunshine,” full of laughter and boundless energy.
Renewed Road Safety Concerns
The deaths have reignited concerns over road safety in Kenya, particularly along major highways where accidents remain frequent despite ongoing safety campaigns.
According to the latest police reports, more than 290 people were killed in road accidents in the first 21 days of January 2026 alone—an increase compared to the same period in 2025. On Jan. 21, seven additional fatalities were recorded in separate incidents across the country.
As family, friends, and well-wishers gather to pay their final respects, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the human cost of road accidents and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
