LUGARI, Kenya — At least eight people have died after a matatu collided with a stalled lorry at Mukhonje along the Eldoret–Webuye highway, police have confirmed.
The crash occurred on Tuesday night when the speeding matatu rammed into a lorry that had broken down on the road.
The lorry, which was transporting several bags of fertiliser, reportedly stalled due to mechanical problems.
Western regional police chief Issa Mohamud told Y News that seven people died instantly at the scene, while five others sustained injuries.
The lorry crew allegedly fled immediately after the accident, leaving locals to loot several bags of fertiliser.
“The matatu rammed into the lorry, killing seven passengers on the spot. Five others were injured and rushed for medical attention,” Mohamud said.
Tragically, the incident comes amid a series of road accidents across the country, with 18 people killed in separate crashes on the same day.
According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the total number of road fatalities this year has surpassed 4,500, marking an increase from last year’s 4,311 deaths recorded by December.
Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable, accounting for 1,685 fatalities, while drivers and passengers collectively contributed to over 1,100 deaths.
Passenger deaths highlight ongoing challenges with speeding, overloading, and safety non-compliance among public service vehicles, particularly matatus and buses.
Motorcycle-related accidents also remain a major concern, with 1,148 riders and 432 pillion passengers losing their lives this year. Pedal cyclists accounted for another 67 deaths.
Authorities continue to cite reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving as leading causes of road accidents, compounded by poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, which contribute to the high number of crashes.
As road accidents continue to claim lives across Kenya, NTSA and other safety agencies emphasize the urgent need for public adherence to traffic laws, regular vehicle maintenance, and responsible driving, particularly during peak travel periods.
The growing death toll underscores the persistent challenges facing the country’s road safety efforts and the need for stricter enforcement and public education.
