Five people lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries in a tragic road accident on the Nairobi-Mombasa Road at Kapiti Plains in Machakos County. The accident occurred at approximately 7:40pm, involving an Isuzu FH lorry, registration number KAK 548H, and a Toyota Hiace matatu, registration number KDM 632S, which was operated by Kinatwa Sacco.
According to preliminary police reports, the matatu was en route from Mombasa to Nairobi. It is alleged that the driver, Lesoifile Lojeu, attempted to overtake another vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with the oncoming lorry. The impact of the collision was devastating, resulting in the immediate deaths of the matatu driver and four passengers. Among the deceased were 65-year-old Nicholas Muti and Nicholas Nzioka. The identities of the other two passengers had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of overtaking on busy highways, a common cause of road accidents in Kenya. The Nairobi-Mombasa Road is a major highway that connects the capital city to the coastal region, and it is notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, often attributed to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
Seven other passengers in the matatu suffered varying degrees of injuries and were promptly transported to Machakos Level Five Hospital for medical attention. Among the injured were 35-year-old Kelvin Mumo and 32-year-old Gerald Mwangangi, both of whom sustained deep cuts to their heads. Benedict Mutunga, aged 33, suffered bruises on his hands and face, while 30-year-old Anne Sila reported chest and back pain. Additionally, 35-year-old Philip Kiplangat sustained facial bruises, 31-year-old Gideon Musyoka suffered injuries to his left leg, and 42-year-old James Mahinga complained of chest pain.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Machakos Funeral Home, where they await postmortem examinations. Meanwhile, the wreckage of the two vehicles was towed to the local police station for a thorough inspection as investigations into the cause of the accident continue. Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to safeguard lives on Kenyan roads.
