Woman Thrown Out of Matatu Dies, Causing Uproar 

File image of Judy Wanjiku who died on February, Sunday 7 morning.
File image of Judy Wanjiku who died on February, Sunday 7 morning.
Twitter

The National Police Service has responded to an incident where a woman was thrown out of a matatu in Juja, Kiambu County, on February 6 where she later succumbed to injuries.

The police, in a statement, said that the matatu has been impounded at Wanguru Police Station in Mwea but the matatu driver and tout are still at large.  

"Our attention has been brought to an unfortunate incident where a lady was allegedly pushed out of a moving vehicle in Juja...the driver and conductor is still at large. We assure you that action will be taken against the culprits. Further updates to follow," said the police.

Matatus caught up in a traffic snarl-up at Tom Mboya street near Khoja/Old Mutual terminus
Matatus caught up in a traffic snarl-up at Tom Mboya street near Khoja/Old Mutual terminus in May 2020.
Photo
Ma3Route

Kenyans on Monday 8 took to social media to push for action after it emerged the woman died following the altercation with the matatu crew over the fare she had been asked to pay.

The matatu driver joined the tout in demanding that the woman pays Ksh 200 which she vehemently refused.  

The deceased was then pushed from the matatu rendering her unconscious for minutes. When she recovered, she called her brother who insisted on taking her to the hospital but she declined, saying she was okay.  

However, she was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning after failing to wake up where she was pronounced dead.  

Eyewitnesses said that the matatu driver had also wanted to run her over after the tout threw them out of the moving vehicle. 

Another good samaritan who attempted to save the woman sustained minor injuries which he got from the speeding vehicle. 

Kenyans on tweeter commented on the incidence which trended for the better part of Monday morning with many of them expressing their disappointment by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for their slowness in resolving such matters.  

“What is alarming is this keeps happening every few months because the bodies in charge of handling such matters prefer to take bribes and make the case disappear .........so in a few months we will a similar case,” said a respondent.  

Muranga Senator Irungu Kangata confirmed the incident to Kenyans.co.ke that he was following on the matter and helping the family get justice.  

“Justice for Judy Wanjiku Nyaga - this lady from Kiharu Constituency. On Saturday 6th February 2021 at around 6.30 pm, she was thrown out of a moving vehicle in Juja and passed on. The driver of MEMBA SACCO KCZ 729C should be arrested NOW! He also said on tweet.  

Kenyans called upon the NTSA and the DCI to speed up and arrest the matatu driver involved in the incidence.  

Traffic police officers stop motorist at a checkpoint. On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, NTSA issued a warning to motorists.
Traffic police officers stop motorists at a checkpoint along Nairobi - Nakuru Highway in May 2020.
Photo
NPS
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