A matatu carrying passengers on Friday, July 14, crashed on Mumias - Kakamega highway after a traffic police and the driver entered into a fistfight, exchanging heavy blows while the vehicle was still moving.
The fight continued even after the 14-seater matatu crashed, leaving bystanders torn between separating the two or rescuing passengers who were trapped and injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the duo disagreed over the offense that the driver had committed leading to the fight that nearly cost innocent passengers their lives.
The Matatu belonging to Blueline Sacco was heading to Kakamega from Mumias when the incident happened.
Passengers reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle during the altercation, causing it to veer off.
An unknown number of passengers were reportedly hurt, with the fighting parties also sustaining injuries. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Kakamega Police have since launched a manhunt for the driver who disappeared shortly after the matatu was towed to the station.
On Monday, June 19, Traffic police officers were forced to scamper for safety after they were confronted by a mob at Ngara, Nairobi.
The officers were beaten by matatu operators who claimed that they were frustrated by law enforcers who usually harassed them in the guise of maintaining law and order.
Armed with stones, sticks, and other crude weapons, the drivers and touts demanded the police officers be recalled as they reportedly affected operations at the terminus.
At first, the police officers stood their ground but were forced to flee after the operators hurled stones while baying for their blood.
The matatu crew members later convened and addressed onlookers while arguing that they were unlawfully targeted despite complying with traffic laws and regulations.
