Kenyans at home and abroad, together with family and friends, are today gathering to remember three siblings from the United States who lost their lives in a tragic road accident while on holiday in Kenya. The victims, Emmanuel DeLeon (13), Kairu Winkelpleck (6), and Njeri DeLeon (16), were killed following a serious crash along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway on January 4, 2026. The family, which lives in Waterloo, Iowa, was visiting Kenya for the festive season when the accident occurred.
Tragic Loss Following Holiday Visit
Emmanuel and his younger brother Kairu died at the scene of the accident. Their elder sister, Njeri, was rushed to a Nairobi hospital in critical condition, where she was placed in a medically induced coma. Despite doctors’ efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on Friday, January 16. The siblings were the children of Wangui Ndirangu, formerly of New Jersey and now based in Iowa. They were grandchildren of the late Charity Ndirangu and Jim Ndirangu, and nieces and nephews to several relatives in Kenya and the diaspora. Their deaths have deeply affected both the Kenyan and American communities connected to the family.
Parents Survive, Funeral Plans Underway
The children’s parents survived the crash and did not sustain serious injuries. They remained in Kenya to coordinate funeral arrangements, with family meetings held daily at the International Christian Centre, Nairobi, along Mombasa Road. A memorial service for the three siblings is currently taking place at the same venue. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at Kariokor Crematorium, starting at 7:00 a.m.
Remembered for Their Light and Kindness
In Waterloo, Iowa, schools attended by the children paid tribute to their lives. Emmanuel was an eighth-grader at Hoover Middle School, remembered as cheerful and positive by both classmates and teachers. Kairu, a first-grader at Royal Legacy Christian Academy, was remembered as energetic, playful, and deeply loved by everyone around him. Njeri, a junior at West High School, was a member of the school’s cheerleading team. Though initially nervous when she joined, she quickly grew into the role and earned admiration for her dedication and enthusiasm. Former teachers described her as kind, caring, and gentle, with a smile that left a lasting impression.
Eulogies Capture Their Unique Spirits
During the memorial service, emotional tributes highlighted the individuality and warmth of each child. Njeri was remembered as compassionate and graceful beyond her years, someone who made others feel valued and seen. Emmanuel was described as both playful and mature, a natural leader who stood up for what was right. Kairu was fondly recalled as the family’s bundle of joy full of energy, laughter, and curiosity. Family members and friends spoke of shared memories, love, and the deep bond the siblings had with one another.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for Leah, Christopher and DeLeon Family” was launched by a family friend to help cover medical, funeral, and travel expenses. The fundraiser has so far raised approximately Ksh. 8.6 million ($66,000) from more than 870 donors, reflecting widespread support from well-wishers across the globe.
Renewed Concern Over Road Safety
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to road safety concerns in Kenya, particularly on major highways. Police statistics indicate that more than 290 people were killed in road accidents within the first 21 days of January 2026, an increase compared to the same period last year. As the family lays their children to rest, many have called for renewed efforts to address road safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
