MAKUENI, Kenya — Seven people have died, and 28 others were injured after a minibus carrying an estimated 50 passengers lost control and rolled several times down a steep hillside in Kalembwani, Makueni County.
The crash occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Friday along the Kalamba–Kalembwani murram road in the Maumba area, as the passengers travelled from Nthongoni in Kibwezi East to Ikangavya for a dowry payment ceremony and related celebrations.
The vehicle, locally known as “Nidhamu,” was reportedly navigating the hilly Kalembwani terrain when the driver lost control. It subsequently veered off the road and rolled several times down the hillside.
The Kenya Red Cross said a multi-agency response team, including its emergency responders, county disaster management officials and police officers, was dispatched to the scene.
“A matatu carrying an estimated 50 passengers from Ivingoni Ward to Kyathi lost control, veered off the road and rolled several times at Kalembwani, Makueni County,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
“Injured persons were evacuated to Makueni County Referral Hospital. Scene clearance ongoing,” it added.
Seven killed, dozens injured
Seven passengers — six men and one woman — died in the crash, while 28 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
Four of the injured passengers suffered serious injuries and were referred to Wote County Hospital for specialised treatment.
Another 24 passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to Matiliku Sub-County Hospital, where they were receiving treatment in stable condition.
Emergency responders worked to free passengers who had become trapped inside the wreckage before evacuating the survivors to different health facilities.
The Makueni County Emergency Response Unit, Department of Health and Kenya Red Cross Makueni Branch deployed three ambulances and a county emergency Land Cruiser to support the rescue operation.
Police officers also visited and processed the scene as investigations into the circumstances of the crash continued.
The wrecked minibus remained at the scene as arrangements were made to tow it away.
The seven bodies were transferred to Kilome Hospital mortuary, where they were being held pending postmortem examinations and identification.
Investigations underway
The exact cause of the crash had not been established by the time of reporting.
The accident occurred along a hilly section of road, with police expected to examine the vehicle, road conditions and the driver’s actions as part of investigations.
Authorities have previously identified speeding, reckless overtaking and drunk driving among the leading causes of road crashes in Kenya. Mechanical problems, including worn-out tyres, faulty brakes and poor vehicle maintenance, have also been cited as contributing factors.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service have repeatedly urged motorists to observe traffic regulations, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and exercise additional caution when driving along highways and accident-prone sections.
The Makueni crash adds to concerns over road safety during journeys involving large groups of passengers, particularly on rural roads where steep terrain and poor road surfaces can increase the risk of serious accidents.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations to establish what caused the minibus to lose control and determine whether any safety violations contributed to the fatal crash.
