The driver of a matatu involved in a tragic accident along Enterprise Road in Nairobi in June has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Sammy Murigi Maina appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai after being apprehended, having allegedly evaded authorities for nearly two months. The charges against Maina are grave, as he faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, in violation of Section 46 of the Traffic Act, Cap 403.
The prosecution detailed that the incident occurred on June 3, 2026, at approximately 8pm. Maina was driving an Isuzu minibus with the registration number KDU 887C, which was operated by Risen Sacco. The vehicle was traveling along Enterprise Road near KCB Bank when Maina reportedly lost control while attempting to navigate a roundabout. The charge sheet indicates that the minibus was being driven recklessly, resulting in it hitting the kerb, overturning, and coming to rest across the road. Tragically, three passengers—Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekye Nyambura, and Edwin Kago—lost their lives at the scene.
In addition to the charges of causing death, Maina is also facing two counts of driving without due care and attention. These charges pertain to Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa, who sustained injuries in the crash. The prosecution alleges that Maina's negligence contributed to the injuries suffered by these individuals.
Further compounding Maina's legal troubles, he has been charged with operating an unroadworthy vehicle, as stipulated under Section 55(1), as read with Section 58(1) of the Traffic Act. The prosecution has pointed out several defects in the matatu, including an obstructed emergency exit, reduced passenger headroom due to multimedia screens, modified seats, unsecured power inverters in the driver's cabin, dark reflective tint on passenger windows, and a modified dashboard that allegedly obstructed the driver's view.
The charges against Maina come amid reports that the matatu had been engaged in dangerous driving maneuvers, colloquially known as “manyoka,” shortly before the crash. These maneuvers are notorious for their reckless nature and pose significant risks to both passengers and other road users.
Maina will remain in remand for five days as the court deliberates on his application for cash bail. The case has drawn attention to the persistent issue of road safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations in Nairobi, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
