NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 26 – At least nine people died Monday in a horrific bus accident on the Kitui-Machakos road.
More than 30 others were seriously injured when the bus lost control and overturned near Katani market.
Police said among the deceased were eight adults and a 9-year-old child.
“Eight individuals lost their lives at the scene, while the ninth passed away upon arrival at Machakos County Referral Hospital,” said Daniel Yumbya, the Machakos Health Executive.
Out of the 18 injured passengers admitted to Machakos Level 5 hospital, five were reported to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses said that the ill-fated matatu was loaded with charcoal at the time of the accident, with approximately 30 sacks of charcoal scattered across the scene afterwards.
Kenyans on social network X have urged Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to enforce stricter measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The incident occurred shortly after another vehicle lost control and overturned along Nandi Hills-Kapsabet Road, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures across the country.
Traffic Police statistics show that at least 3,500 people are killed in road accidents annually in Kenya.