At least 13 people lost their lives while more than 20 others were injured in two separate but closely timed road accidents along major highways on Friday night and early Saturday, once again highlighting concerns over road safety on Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.
Fatal Katumani Crash on Nairobi–Mombasa Highway
The deadliest of the two accidents occurred along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway at Katumani, near Konza Technopolis City, along the border of Machakos and Makueni counties.
The crash, which happened shortly after midnight, involved a Passenger Service Veicle (PSV) bus and a matatu, leaving eight people dead and seven others critically injured.
Authorities confirmed that six passengers died on the spot due to the impact of the collision, while two others succumbed to their injuries later on Saturday while receiving treatment.
The injured were rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where they are currently undergoing specialised medical care.
Mukaa Sub-county Police Commander Hussein Abduba said the matatu, which belonged to NAEKANA Sacco, was travelling from Nairobi when the driver attempted to overtake several vehicles.
“The accident occurred when the driver of the matatu belonging to NAEKANA Sacco, which was headed towards Mombasa from Nairobi, attempted to overtake several vehicles and collided head-on with a Tahmeed bus that was moving in the opposite direction,” Abduba said.
The Tahmeed Coach bus was travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi at the time of the crash.
Emergency response teams from Muumandu and Kyumbi were dispatched to the scene, where they conducted rescue and evacuation operations. Traffic along the busy highway was temporarily disrupted as wreckage was cleared.
Kikopey Accident Claims Five Lives
Hours earlier, another deadly accident was reported at Kikopey along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, involving a Bungoma-bound matatu and a truck reportedly from Uganda.
Police said the matatu was rammed from behind by a truck that lost control, with another truck positioned ahead, leaving the public service vehicle trapped between the two trucks.
Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winsone Mwakio confirmed that five people were killed in the crash, while six others sustained injuries.
“The matatu was struck from behind by a truck that reportedly lost control. Another truck was ahead, trapping the matatu between the two,” Mwakio said.
The injured were rushed to hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were moved to the mortuary.
Preliminary investigations indicate that brake failure on the truck may have contributed to the accident, though police say investigations are ongoing.
Police Urge Caution as Death Toll Rises
Police noted that, in total, 13 people were killed and 24 others injured in separate road accidents across the country on Friday alone.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on major highways.
“Drivers need to be careful on the road. We must protect the public because life is precious,” Abduba said.
Police and traffic officers continue to investigate both accidents as calls grow louder for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and improved road safety measures.
