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Seven people lost their lives on Sunday after a Kinatwa Sacco matatu collided head-on with a truck at Miasenyi in Taita Taveta County, along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
Police described the location as a notorious accident hotspot. They said the matatu, which was headed toward Mombasa, was attempting to overtake when it crashed into an oncoming truck.
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All seven occupants of the matatu, including the driver, died instantly. Their bodies were taken to the Moi County Referral Hospital mortuary in Voi. Five survivors were rushed to the same facility for treatment as investigations continue.
According to police, the matatu had left Wote town in Makueni County at about 7pm on Saturday, ferrying passengers travelling to the Coast. Authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant as holiday traffic surges.
Police noted that the Sunday crash added to a deadly weekend on Kenyan roads. On Saturday alone, at least 12 people died in separate accidents nationwide. The victims included passengers, pedestrians, drivers, motorcycle riders and pillion passengers. Another 34 people sustained serious injuries.
Reckless overtaking and speeding are among the suspected causes behind the weekend’s crashes. The Nairobi–Mombasa highway remains one of the country’s most dangerous routes, especially during festive seasons when traffic increases.
Elsewhere on Friday, four people were killed and several injured in an accident at Wakhungu in Funyula, Busia County. Police said a Sugar Zone Sacco vehicle travelling from Bumala to Port Victoria is believed to have burst its front tyre, causing the driver to lose control. The injured were taken to Nangina Mission Hospital as investigations into the incident continue.
