The death following Saturday's road accident in Makueni County has risen to 12 after two of the injured victims succumbed to their injuries.
The late Saturday accident occurred along Kikima - Kali - Machakos road at Kwa Mbisu area in Mbooni subcounty claiming 10 lives on the spot.
Police said seven others sustained injuries and were rushed to Mbooni subcounty hospital where they were admitted.
Sources said the 14-seater matatu involved in the crash had 17 passengers at the time of the accident.
The vehicle was heading towards Machakos from Kikima before the driver lost control causing the vehicle to roll severally before landing in a ditch.
The matatu was extensively damaged.
The bodies were removed from the wreckage and taken to the mortuary.
Eastern regional police commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan confirmed the incident.
"It occurred today (Saturday) at around 630pm at Nthungoni Red Sea Area along Kikima - Machakos Road involving a 14-seater matatu belonging to MAKOS Sacco being driven by John Mutune Makenzi aged 52 years," Ole Napeiyan told the Star by phone shortly after the incident.
Napeiyan confirmed that the vehicle was headed to Machakos from Kikima when the accident occurred.
"On reaching at location of the accident, it lost control and veered off the road to the left side and it rolled several times landing into a valley. As a result, 10 passengers lost their lives on the spot while seven others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Mbooni sub-county hospital in critical condition," Napeiyan said.
He said police had launched investigations into the incident.
Makueni Chief Officer of Health Department Dr Stephen Ndolo confirmed that Mbooni sub-county hospital received 10 victims of the accident.
"We have received 10 injuries from the said accident. Two are in critical condition and we are preparing them for theatre. We have also dispatched additional blood to Mbooni Sub County Hospital to manage the situation."
Ndolo added that they sent three ambulances to be on stand-by for any referrals.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr sent condolences to the families of the victims.
He urged drivers to be keen on the roads during this festive season.
Makueni County Commissioner Moses Giharu warned the public against boarding overloaded public service vehicles.
