Emmanuel DeLeon,Kairu Winkelpleck,Njeri DeLeon,
A family from Waterloo, Iowa, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of their three children after a tragic road accident in Kenya.
The accident happened on January 4, 2026, along the Naivasha highway, where the family was traveling during a holiday vacation. What was meant to be a joyful visit to Kenya turned into deep sorrow.
The children were the sons and daughter of Wangui Ndirangu, who previously lived in New Jersey and now resides in Iowa. They were also the beloved niece and nephews of Wamuyu, Njeri Wacira, and Kairu Nyori Ndirangu, and grandchildren of the late Charity Ndirangu, formerly of New Jersey.
- Emmanuel DeLeon, 13, an eighth-grade student at Hoover Middle School
- Kairu Winkelpleck, 6, a first-grade pupil at Royal Legacy Christian Academy
- Njeri DeLeon, 16, a junior at West High School
Emmanuel and Kairu died at the scene of the accident. Their sister Njeri was critically injured and admitted to a Nairobi hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma. Sadly, she passed away on Friday evening, January 16, 2026.
Before her passing, Njeri had recently joined the West High School cheerleading team. She made her debut at the UNI-Dome in August 2025. Though nervous at first, she quickly gained confidence and impressed her teammates with her energy, commitment, and bright spirit. Her warm smile and caring nature touched many lives.
Friends, teachers, and community members have shared emotional tributes.
Former teacher Glenda Griffin described Njeri as “sweet, caring, and kindhearted,” adding that she had “the most beautiful smile.”
Friends remembered Emmanuel as cheerful and full of laughter. Ciara Oder recalled his playful nature, while Amanda Anderson-Murty said Emmanuel always had a positive attitude and brought joy to those around him.
Community member Sonjia Warren shared her sympathy, saying she could not imagine the pain the family is going through and offered prayers for comfort and healing.
The children’s parents survived the crash and were not seriously injured. The family remains in Kenya as they prepare to lay their children to rest.
A memorial service for all three children will be held in Nairobi on Friday, followed by a funeral service at Kariokor Crematorium on Saturday, January 24, at 7:00 a.m.
As both the Waterloo and Kenyan communities come together in mourning, we continue to keep the DeLeon family in our prayers, offering love, strength, and comfort during this painful time.
