Kasarani Sub-County Police Commander Emmanuel Rono confirmed the incident, stating that three passengers were seriously injured, while nine others were treated for minor injuries and transported to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment.
Nairobi, Kenya – Tuesday, May 7, 2025 | 11:45 AM EAT
A tragic road accident in the busy Githurai area of Nairobi has left one person dead and at least twelve others injured, in what witnesses are calling one of the most harrowing scenes witnessed along the Thika Superhighway this year.
The accident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, May 7, when a matatu traveling from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Thika reportedly lost its brakes and rammed into a motorcycle at high speed. The impact threw the motorcycle rider off the road, while a female passenger on the bike was tragically trapped under the matatu and pronounced dead at the scene.
Kasarani Sub-County Police Commander Emmanuel Rono confirmed the incident and stated that a total of three passengers sustained serious injuries, while nine others were treated for minor injuries and transported to Kenyatta National Hospital.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying moment the matatu lost control and careened into the motorcycle just as it was navigating a turn near Githurai. Local resident John Kariuki, who witnessed the crash, said the woman had been riding as a passenger on a bodaboda while carrying household items, including a bag and goat heads likely intended for sale.
“The matatu was coming from town and speeding towards Thika. When it got to Githurai, it suddenly veered and hit the motorcycle that had a woman and a few items,” Kariuki told Inooro TV.
According to Kariuki and others who rushed to help, the motorcyclist was thrown to the side of the road but survived, while the woman was caught beneath the wreckage.
“We rushed to help. Together with other passersby, we managed to lift the matatu and pull the woman out. Unfortunately, she was already gone,” Kariuki added.
Police Investigate Possible Brake Failure
The initial cause of the crash is believed to be brake failure, though police have not ruled out the possibility of driver error or mechanical negligence. Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have launched a joint probe to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Police Commander Rono said that efforts were underway to determine whether the matatu had been serviced recently and whether it met road safety standards.
“We are conducting a thorough mechanical inspection of the vehicle. Roadworthiness is not optional—especially for public transport vehicles,” he stated.
The matatu involved in the crash has been towed to a police yard as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops and traffic cameras to verify the sequence of events.
Increasing Concern Over Matatu Safety
This latest accident has reignited public concerns about the state of public transport safety in Kenya. Matatus, the backbone of daily commuting for millions of Kenyans, have increasingly come under scrutiny due to reports of speeding, mechanical faults, and failure to follow traffic regulations.
Road safety activists have called on the NTSA to ramp up spot-checks and enforcement, especially along high-traffic routes like Thika Road.
“We cannot continue to normalize preventable accidents. Operators must be held accountable,” said one Githurai resident during a small protest that followed the incident.
Identity of Victim Withheld
The identity of the deceased woman has not yet been released as police work to notify her next of kin. Authorities have appealed to the public to come forward if they have information that can help identify the victim or offer further insight into what happened.
Meanwhile, the motorcyclist and the other injured passengers continue to receive treatment, with hospital officials confirming that at least two remain in critical condition.
Police Call for Calm and Caution
As investigations continue, police have urged drivers and bodaboda operators alike to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the morning rush hour when traffic is heaviest.
“We’re urging road users to be vigilant. A moment’s distraction or mechanical failure can change lives forever,” Rono said.
Mulembe Times will continue monitoring this developing story and provide further updates as new information emerges.
