A deadly road accident involving a matatu and a school bus claimed several lives on Friday night, March 28, along the Keringet-Molo road. The head-on collision left the matatu driver and several passengers dead, while others sustained serious injuries.
Initial reports indicate conflicting figures, with some suggesting at least five fatalities, though the police have yet to confirm the exact number. According to preliminary findings, the accident occurred after the matatu driver lost control while navigating a sharp bend, leading to the devastating collision.
The matatu was headed toward Molo, while the school bus, ferrying children, was on its way to Keringet when the crash took place. Miraculously, none of the pupils on board sustained injuries.
In the wake of the accident, eyewitnesses rushed to the scene, initiating rescue operations. Bodies of the deceased were taken to Keringet Sub-County Hospital, while the injured were transported to nearby medical facilities.
Confirming the incident, Molo Police Commander Timon Odingo cited poor visibility and wet, slippery roads caused by heavy rainfall as potential contributing factors. Officers have since launched an investigation into the exact cause of the crash.
Kuresoi South Member of Parliament, Joseph Tonui, expressed his condolences on social media, describing the accident as a heartbreaking tragedy.
“I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic accident involving a school bus and a PSV matatu at Kimalany Bridge on the Keringet-Molo Road, which has resulted in the loss of lives. This is a devastating blow to the families affected and to our community,” Tonui wrote on Facebook.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. To those injured, we pray for your swift recovery,” he added.
The accident comes amid heightened concerns over road safety, as the National Police Service (NPS) had recently issued a caution to motorists ahead of the busy Easter season. Authorities warned of stricter enforcement of traffic rules, including crackdowns on reckless matatu operators and negligent school bus drivers.
In their latest advisory, NPS emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, and boda boda riders to observe traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the devastating impact of another preventable accident on Kenyan roads.
