Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mourned the 22 people killed in the fatal road accident at Mtito Andei along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, calling for greater caution among motorists as the festive season approaches.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the tragedy was a painful ordeal for the country and extended his sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones.
“The disastrous crash at Mtito Andei today, which has robbed our nation 22 lives, is a painful ordeal for all of us as the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
He also wished those injured in the accident a quick recovery and prayed for the souls of the deceased.
“May the Almighty God grant eternal rest to our dear Kenyans who have lost their lives,” he added.
The crash involved a public service vehicle and a commercial vehicle. Preliminary information from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) indicated that the two vehicles collided head-on, with improper overtaking suspected to have contributed to the accident.
NTSA said its crash investigation team was working with the police to establish the circumstances that led to the collision.
Gachagua's message comes as Kenya approaches the Christmas holiday season, when thousands of families are expected to travel across the country to reunite with relatives and friends.
The former Deputy President urged motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads, citing the ongoing rainy season as an additional safety concern.
“As the Christmas festivities draw near and our children prepare to travel home for the holidays, I urge all road users to exercise caution, especially as the rainy season continues,” he said.
He further called on government agencies responsible for road safety to strengthen their efforts to protect motorists and passengers using the country's highways.
“I also urge authorities charged with safety responsibility on our roads to ensure Kenyans are safe on our roads and highways,” Gachagua stated.
The DCP leader said road deaths resulting from negligence and reckless behaviour were unacceptable, insisting that every road user deserved protection.
“No Kenyan, no human being deserves to lose a life out of negligence and recklessness,” he said.
The Mtito Andei accident has renewed concerns over road safety on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, a major transport corridor used by passenger buses, matatus, private motorists and heavy commercial vehicles.
The highway is particularly busy during holiday periods, when increased traffic volumes can heighten the risks associated with speeding, dangerous overtaking and driver fatigue.
Authorities are expected to establish the full circumstances of the crash as investigations continue. NTSA has urged motorists to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution to prevent further loss of life on Kenyan roads.
