A tragic road accident occurred early Tuesday morning, May 13, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway at Malili, claiming two lives and leaving several others with serious injuries.
The incident involved a Naekana Sacco matatu that was heading to Nairobi from Taveta and a lorry traveling in the opposite direction. According to eyewitnesses, the matatu driver tried to swerve and avoid the lorry but was unsuccessful, resulting in a head-on collision.
Several passengers were trapped inside the matatu following the impact. Local residents rushed to the scene to offer help before emergency services arrived.
Authorities confirmed that two people died on the spot, while 12 others sustained injuries and were rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital and Makindu Level 4 Hospital for treatment.
The area where the accident occurred is known for previous similar tragedies. In August 2018, a crash along the same stretch between Malili and Salama claimed eight lives in another matatu-lorry collision.
Speaking on the incident, Makueni County Police Commander Stephen Kihara called for greater caution among road users, especially public service vehicle operators. He also urged drivers to avoid night travel whenever possible and to prioritize safety on the roads.
This accident comes shortly after another road incident in Nyeri County, where a matatu ferrying passengers to Zaina Falls overturned at Jua Kali in Tetu. One person lost their life, and 22 others were injured, with some in critical condition.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), over 4,300 people have lost their lives in road accidents in 2024 alone, close to the 4,690 fatalities reported in 2023. The agency attributes most of the crashes to reckless driving, speeding, poor road conditions, and pedestrian negligence.
NTSA spokesperson Jane Mwangi emphasized the need for all road users to be more responsible. “We must treat road safety as a priority. Every life matters,” she stated.
Investigations into the Malili accident are ongoing as the country continues to grapple with the challenge of road safety.
