Several passengers were stranded along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway from 11 pm on Friday, April 7, to Saturday morning, April 8, after their bus developed mechanical issues.
According to reports, the driver went into hiding without offering a solution to the travellers, who were left to brave the cold.
Passengers' efforts to reach the commuter service or the driver proved futile. The management also was yet to respond to questions fronted by Kenyans.co.ke by the time of publishing this article.
The driver's move to hide elected mixed reactions, with some Kenyans claiming he fled after noticing the car had mechanical issues.
Some compared the incident to the several cases of buses driven with mechanical issues that led to tragic accidents, with some plunging into a river.
"I congratulate the driver for hiding instead of driving the bus with mechanical issues. Good job for saving the passenger's lives," one stated.
"The driver took caution after realising the bus had an issue but it could be good for them to find an alternative for the passengers," another added.
On the other hand, a section of Kenyans advised against travelling at night owing to the looming danger of an accident or attack by a carjacker, among other concerns.
Others shared their experience with the bus, with one claiming it took them three days to travel from Mombasa to Nairobi.
Regular inspection of vehicles, especially those plying long distances, is among the measures announced by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to reduce fatalities.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in the Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations, 2023, increased the fee rates and penalties for uncomplying motorists.
