The driver of a matatu involved in a fatal crash along Enterprise Road in Nairobi has been arrested in Malindi on Wednesday, September 16, after nearly two months on the run and is expected to appear in court on Thursday, September 17.
The driver, identified as Sammy Murigi, is expected to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving following the June 3 crash involving an Isuzu minibus, registration KDU 887C, operated by Risen Sacco.
A Nairobi court had earlier ordered police to produce Murigi in court within 14 days after he failed to appear in connection with the crash.
The accident occurred at about 8 pm near the Dar es Salaam Roundabout in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. According to the initial police report, the matatu was travelling from the DT Dobie direction towards General Motors when a motorcycle allegedly emerged from Dakar Road and failed to give way.
Police said the driver swerved in an attempt to avoid the motorcycle, hit the central island kerb at the roundabout and lost control before the vehicle overturned onto its left side.
Four people died at the scene from multiple injuries. They included three passengers and an unidentified female pedestrian estimated to be about 30 years old.
At least 15 other passengers sustained injuries of varying severity and were taken to different hospitals.
Reports indicate that Murigi was allegedly performing “manyoka” stunts while driving the matatu before it lost control and overturned. The allegation forms part of the circumstances being investigated in the case.
Court documents indicate that Murigi faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving under Section 46 of the Traffic Act. The charges relate to the deaths of Charles Wahome, Tamia Kalekye and Edwin Kago.
The arrest followed a September 3 court order by Milimani Magistrate Paul Mutai, directing police to produce Murigi after concerns were raised over the delay in apprehending him.
Murigi is expected to be presented before the Nairobi court on Thursday, where he will face the charges arising from the fatal Enterprise Road crash.
