Former Meru County Criminal Investigation Officer (CCIO)John Rioba has died following a tragic road accident involving multiple vehicles along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on Monday evening.
Rioba, who served as the Meru County CCIO between 2023 and 2024 before being transferred to Nyandarua County in the same capacity, lost his life while travelling to Nairobi.
The accident occurred at Karai area along the busy highway and involved nine vehicles which left other passengers with injuries.
Preliminary reports indicate that a Sino truck travelling from the opposite direction lost control before ramming into several vehicles.
The truck eventually rammed into Rioba’s Isuzu D-Max, leaving him with severe injuries before he was rushed to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
News of his sudden demise has shocked colleagues, friends and members of the security fraternity who described him as a calm, down to earth supportive and visionary leader fully dedicated to public service.
” He was a great boss ,down to earth, a father and a dedicated senior officer to his work. The sad news broke my heart,” said Victor attached to DCI forensic department.
Police officers and officials from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Meru mourned Rioba, recalling his immense contribution towards the establishment and growth of Meru Police Football Club and other sports initiatives within the security sector.
According to his colleagues, the senior officer strongly believed in the role of sports in improving the mental well-being of officers and enhancing teamwork within the security agencies.
“The entire Meru Police FC and the management team are greatly saddened by the death of Mr. Rioba.
” He was a great supporter of sports and among the pioneers of Meru Police FC and the well-being of officers. May his soul rest in peace. He will forever be remembered,” said the Meru Police FC management in a condolence message.
Friends and former colleagues also remembered him as a dedicated security officer who protected the rights of people and advocated for justice through his work.
Rioba’s friends and colleagues have continued to pour their tributes, describing his passing as a great loss to the security department.
Edited by John Majau
