A Nairobi court has denied bail to Sammy Murigi Maina, a matatu driver accused of causing a crash that killed three passengers and injured others along Enterprise Road on June 3, 2026.
Maina will remain in custody until key prosecution witnesses testify after Magistrate Paul Mutai ruled that the prosecution had demonstrated compelling reasons to deny him bail at this stage.
The court, however, directed that he be taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Maina, who was arrested nearly two months after the crash, faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to Section 46 of the Traffic Act, Cap 403 of the Laws of Kenya.
He is also charged with two counts of driving a motor vehicle on a public road without due care and attention, contrary to Section 49(1), as well as operating an unroadworthy motor vehicle under Section 55(1), as read with Section 58(1) of the Act.
According to the charge sheet, Maina was driving an Isuzu minibus, registration number KDU 887C, operated by Risen Sacco, along Enterprise Road near KCB Bank at around 8 p.m. when the crash occurred.
The prosecution alleges that he drove recklessly and dangerously before losing control while negotiating a roundabout, causing the vehicle to strike the kerb, overturn and land across the road.
The three passengers who died have been identified as Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekye Nyambura and Edwin Kago, while Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa are listed as injured in the case.
The prosecution has also cited several alleged defects on the minibus, including an obstructed emergency exit, reduced passenger headroom attributed to installed multimedia screens, modified passenger seats and unsecured power inverters in the driver's cabin.
Other alleged defects include dark reflective tint on passenger windows and a modified dashboard that prosecutors claim obstructed the driver's view of the road.
The case comes amid allegations that the matatu had been involved in dangerous manoeuvres commonly known as “manyoka” shortly before the fatal crash.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Maina remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case will proceed as the prosecution seeks to present its witnesses.
