NAIROBI, Kenya- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has charged a matatu driver with causing the deaths of three people during an alleged “Manyoka” driving challenge in Nairobi.
Sammy Murigi Maina was charged with causing the deaths of Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekya Nyambura and Edwin Kago through dangerous driving.
Prosecutors told the court that the incident occurred at about 8pm on June 3, 2026, along Enterprise Road, opposite KCB Bank in Nairobi County.
Maina was driving an Isuzu minibus bearing registration number KDU 887C and operated by Risen Sacco when the crash occurred.
The prosecution said Maina drove the vehicle recklessly and dangerously while participating in a driving style commonly referred to as “Manyoka.”
The style involves matatu drivers speeding or competing against each other on public roads, sometimes while performing dangerous manoeuvres.
The prosecution said Maina’s manner of driving resulted in the deaths of the three victims.
He was charged under Section 42(3) of the Traffic Act, which deals with causing death through dangerous driving.
Maina also faces two additional counts of driving a motor vehicle on a public road without due care and attention.
The prosecution further charged him with driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle on a public road.
His actions are also said to have caused bodily harm to Eugene Ongundi and Domnic Mulwa during the incident.
Maina appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court did not immediately disclose further details on his bond terms or when the case would return for hearing.
The prosecution follows investigations into the June crash, which drew public attention to dangerous driving and road racing involving customised public service vehicles in Nairobi.
Following the crash, the National Transport and Safety Authority summoned officials from the matatu sacco linked to the vehicle as authorities investigated its condition and operation.
The case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution will be required to present evidence supporting the charges against Maina. He remains presumed innocent unless the court finds him guilty.
