At least one passenger died and more than 20 others were injured when a popular Nairobi matatu, known as Uppercut, was involved in a road accident in Tetu, Nyeri County.
The vehicle was reportedly on a private trip to Nyeri when the accident occurred on the night of Sunday, May 11, 2025.
According to police, the matatu overturned in the Jua Kali area, leading to the fatality and multiple injuries.
The injured passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Police said they are investigating the incident.
A video shared online hours before the crash appeared to show the matatu being driven recklessly along Thika Superhighway.
Police say they were notified of the footage and have since detained the vehicle at a local police station for inspection.
Authorities are also reviewing reports from concerned members of the public who claimed to have raised alarms about the matatu’s driving behaviour before the incident.
Police say fatal accidents are on the rise amid calls for caution to address the menace.
For instance, at least 12 people were Thursday night killed in a road accident involving a Nissan matatu and a lorry at Arimi along Njoro-Elburgon Road, Nakuru County.
Police said the fatal accident occurred on Thursday night when the lorry collided with the 14-seater passenger vehicle.
Police said the driver of the matatu had lost control, leading to the fatal crash.
The National Transport and Safety Authority says the leading causes of fatal crashes include hit-and-run, tyre bursts, and vehicles and motorcycles losing control.
Also, overtaking improperly and failing to keep the proper lane, resulting in head-on collisions, are mentioned as causes.
There are ongoing efforts to address the menace.
More than 4000 people are
killed annually in accidents in the country.
Thousands of others are left with injuries that leave a trail of negative impact on families.
