Families of those killed in a tragic matatu accident on Enterprise Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area are demanding accountability as survivors described the horrifying events preceding the crash.
The doomed matatu was transporting passengers from the Nairobi Central Business District to Komarock on Wednesday night when it reportedly lost control and flipped over while performing dangerous maneuvers commonly known as “nyoka nyoka.”
The vehicle, designed to accommodate 33 passengers, overturned along the busy thoroughfare, resulting in five fatalities and at least 12 individuals suffering severe injuries.
Survivors alleged that the driver, identified only as Sam, was engaging in reckless behavior moments before the collision. The driver survived the incident but sustained injuries.
Michael Njoroge, a public transport sector worker, criticized both authorities and PSV operators for
According to Njoroge, dangerous stunts have become increasingly prevalent among some matatus, with vehicles frequently losing stability when attempting risky turns and maneuvers.
Among the deceased was 23-year-old conductor Edwin Kago, whose family is struggling to cope with his sudden passing.
“I received a call at approximately 11pm informing me that my son was in the mortuary. I came in the morning to confirm the tragic news,” said his father, Samuel Maina.
Another victim was 32-year-old Samuel, an employee at Huduma Centre in Nairobi, who had boarded the matatu while returning home from work.
“My brother was simply heading home after completing his work shift,” his sister said while struggling to contain her emotions.
Preliminary reports indicate the fatalities consisted of three conductors and two passengers. Their remains have been transferred to the Nairobi Funeral Home as family members commence funeral arrangements.
Relatives of the victims are now demanding immediate action against those responsible, asserting that reckless driving and the culture of dangerous stunts among some PSV operators continue to take innocent lives.
In the meantime, Makadara Sub-County Police Commander Judith Nyongesa confirmed that the wreckage of the matatu is being kept at the station’s accident yard as investigations proceed.