Several people are feared dead and others injured after a grisly road accident at the Githurai 45 area along the busy Thika Super Highway.
According to witnesses, the accident occurred when a matatu lost control after hitting a bump, ramming into people in the morning hours of Wednesday, May 7.
The vehicle travelling from Roysambu towards Githurai 45 reportedly ran into a roadside vendor, claiming an unknown number of lives.
While the exact cause of the driver losing control is yet to be established, preliminary reports indicate a brake malfunction is what led to the driver failing to control the vehicle.
Further reports indicate the matatu driver was trying to avoid a minor accident between a pickup and a motorcycle when he rammed into the vendors normally stationed by the roadside.
In videos and images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, people are milling around the scene as police and emergency medical services conduct rescue operations.
Different reports of the accident reported that the casualties, who ranged from five to nine, either died on the spot or while being rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Further footage showed the mangled wreck of the matatu, bodies of the casualties strewn on the ground, as well as the debris of two motorcycles that are believed to be involved in the fatal crash.
The scene of the accident is normally a beehive of activity with traders aiming to sell their numerous goods, such as groceries, fruits and vegetables, to interested buyers. Also, a budding matatu stage on either side of the roundabout makes the area a buzzing commercial centre that caters to thousands of people.
In the midst of the accident happening, transport and business operations were paralysed, with many drawn to the rescue operations. Motorists were further advised to avoid the underpass as it was deemed impassable.
The accident also attracted the attention of netizens online, who were quick to express their condolences to the deceased. Others challenged road agencies like the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to address the issue of the influx of traders on national highways.
