At least ten people have been confirmed dead following a road accident involving a trailer and a 14-seater matatu at Kariandusi near Gilgil along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
The accident occurred on Saturday morning after a speeding matatu lost control and rammed into a stalled trailer, killing ten people on the spot and leaving others injured.
While confirming the accident, Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winston Mwakio noted that the trailer had developed mechanical problems and stalled along the road before it was hit by the matatu.
According to the police boss, the impact of the collision was extensive, leading to the deaths of 10 occupants of the matatu at the scene.
Witness reports indicate that only two people survived and were rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Emergency responders, including police officers and area residents, retrieved the bodies from the wreckage before clearing the scene.
Images seen by Vihiga news showed the matatu extensively damaged on its front, depicting the extent of the accident.
The highway is a major transport route connecting Nairobi and Nakuru cities, but has been the scene of several road accidents in recent years.
Meanwhile, the latest development comes on the back of a travel advisory by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) cautioning drivers against reckless driving, particularly during this Easter holiday.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa announced a crackdown targeting dangerous driving behaviours and unsafe vehicles in a bid to reduce road accidents.
He said the agency would work closely with the National Police Service (NPS) to intensify enforcement operations across major highways and urban centres during this busy travel period.
Motorists have been urged to prioritise safety, with warnings against speeding, drunk driving, and driver fatigue, which remain leading causes of accidents in the country.
Drivers were also advised to adhere to speed limits, avoid alcohol before driving, and take regular breaks during long journeys.
“For those whose vehicles break down, ensure you park safely off the road and place warning triangles at a sufficient distance. Unroadworthy vehicles, including those with defective brakes, worn-out tyres, or faulty lighting, will be impounded immediately,” he reiterated.
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