A family in Malava, Busia County is grappling with grief and shock after their kin, Edwin Njuguna Ngugi, was brutally killed in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The tragic death has exposed the dangers faced by Kenyan long-distance truck drivers operating along the Mombasa–Congo route, with the victim’s family learning of his fate through social media days after he went missing.
Final Call from a Dangerous Route
Edwin, a dedicated truck driver, had been transporting goods from Mombasa to the DRC—a journey spanning over 1,600 kilometres—when his truck reportedly broke down in Bunia, a region known for insecurity and armed conflict.
His mother, Rose Ngugi, recalled her last conversation with her son on April 2.
“Nilianza kuongea na yeye tarehe 2 akilalamika ya kwamba gari imeharibikia mahali pabaya na ako mikononi mibaya,” she said.
In a chilling final call to his cousin, Edwin described the dire situation he was facing after his truck stalled.
“Barabara ni mbaya kabisa… gari ilikatika… nalindwa na wanajeshi… jana karibu nipigwe na watu wenye mapanga walitaka kuniibia,” he said, explaining how he had narrowly escaped an attack after soldiers intervened.
Abandoned and Attacked
According to the family, Edwin sought protection from local soldiers after the breakdown. However, it is alleged that the same individuals took his money and later abandoned him in the hostile environment.
Left vulnerable, he is believed to have been attacked by armed groups, killed, and his truck looted.
Family Learns of Death Through WhatsApp
For days, the family had no communication from Edwin after his phone went silent on April 3 at around 2:22 p.m.
Their worst fears were confirmed nearly ten days later when fellow Kenyan drivers discovered a decomposing body and shared images in a WhatsApp group seeking identification.
That is how the family came to learn of Edwin’s death—through distressing images circulating online.
Body Still in Congo
Edwin’s body is currently lying at Bunia Main Hospital in the DRC, while his truck remains at the scene of the attack.
The family says they are financially unable to travel to Congo to retrieve his remains and are now appealing to the Kenyan government for urgent assistance.
Growing Concerns Over Driver Safety
The incident highlights the growing risks faced by East African truck drivers operating in conflict-prone regions, particularly in eastern DRC where armed groups remain active.
Transporters and drivers have long raised concerns over insecurity along the route, calling for stronger cross-border protection measures.
For Edwin’s family, however, the focus remains on bringing their loved one home and giving him a dignified burial.
