The driver of a matatu that overturned along Enterprise Road in Nairobi in June, leaving three passengers dead and others injured, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Sammy Murigi Maina appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai following his arrest after allegedly being at large for nearly two months.
Maina faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to Section 46 of the Traffic Act, Cap 403.
The prosecution alleges that on June 3, 2026, at around 8pm, Maina was driving an Isuzu minibus, registration KDU 887C, operated by Risen Sacco, along Enterprise Road near KCB Bank when he lost control while negotiating a roundabout.
According to the charge sheet, the vehicle was driven recklessly before hitting the kerb, overturning and coming to rest across the road.
Three passengers—Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekye Nyambura and Edwin Kago—are listed as having died at the scene.
Maina also faces two counts of driving without due care and attention. The charges relate to Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa, who the prosecution alleges suffered injuries in the crash.
He has further been charged with operating an unroadworthy vehicle under Section 55(1), as read with Section 58(1) of the Traffic Act.
The prosecution has cited several alleged defects, 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 allegedly obstructing the driver's view.
The charges come amid reports that the matatu had been involved in dangerous manoeuvres commonly referred to as “manyoka” shortly before the crash.
Maina will remain in remand for five days, pending the court's ruling on his application for cash bail.
