Eyewitnesses who witnessed a 14-seater matatu collide with a private car on Friday night, June 2, along the Githunguri-Kwamaiko-Ruiru road in Kiambu County laid the blame on the personal vehicle.
Speaking to the press, the witnesses claimed that the personal car was speeding leading to the tragic accident that killed six people and injured several others.
One of the witnesses noted that he was driving behind the matatu moments before the crash.
"I was behind the matatu on the road. When I drew closer, I realised the terrible accident that had occurred. We attempted to rescue those trapped in the car," he recalled.
The residents who rushed to the accident scene shortly after, also pointed an accusing finger at the government arguing that the lack of speed bumps and clearly mark the road to ensure such accidents do not occur.
"How many people will have to die on this road before the government acts?" one posed.
According to the witnesses, the accident killed four people on the spot while the other two died en route to the hospital.
At the accident scene, the residents attempted to rescue the victims and rushed the injured to the nearby hospitals including Kiambu Level Five Hospital and Ruiru sub-county hospitals.
The rescue personnel also included police officers who arrived to assess the situation, remove the wreckage from the road, and clear traffic.
Grim Stats
According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released on May 24, at least 1,700 people had died in road accidents since January 2023 with the highest number of fatalities recorded being pedestrians at 571 and motorcycle operators at 449.
The road carnage, however, prompted Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to launch a nationwide crackdown on all road-worthy vehicles.
Some other measures imposed by the CS included a crackdown on all fake spare parts dealers and mandatory vehicle inspection.
Murkomen, therefore, urged the public to take part in curbing the accidents by reporting rogue drivers flaunting the rules.
"Be vigilant on the road and take personal responsibility by putting on seatbelts when in cars, wearing helmets when riding motorcycles, and crossing at designated points," he added.
