NAIROBI, Kenya – More than 30 passengers were injured on Tuesday evening after a bus overturned and plunged into a river at Waruku, off Waiyaki Way, in Nairobi.
The 33-seater bus was reportedly heading toward the city centre when it lost control and veered off the road before landing in the shallow river around 5:30 p.m.
Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria confirmed the incident, saying rescue operations were ongoing.
“A bus has plunged into a river at Waruku, off Waiyaki Way, leaving over 30 people injured. More than 20 victims have been taken to Riverside Medical Center, while others are still being evacuated. More ambulances are urgently needed,” Mosiria said.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, who was among the first to raise the alarm, appealed to rescue teams for immediate support.
“We have a major accident in Waruku. A 33-seater bus has plunged into the river. We are asking for rescue services,” Alai said.
We have a major accident in Waruku. A 33-seater bus has plunged into the river.We are asking for rescue services. @KenyaRedCross @StJohnKenya
Images from the scene showed rescuers, police officers, and bystanders working frantically to pull victims from the wreckage.
Some passengers were seen lying on rocks and along the riverbank as emergency teams rushed them to nearby hospitals.
The bus lay on its side, partially submerged in the muddy water, as people climbed over it to free those trapped inside.
Police said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that slippery road conditions and possible mechanical failure may have contributed to the crash.
Authorities have since intensified road safety operations in Nairobi and other major towns.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) recently reported that 5,856 people were involved in road crashes between January and April 2025—a decline from last year’s 7,764 cases.
However, fatalities and serious injuries remain high, with more than 3,000 people suffering life-threatening injuries this year alone.
On Monday, six Chinese tourists were also injured in a separate accident along the Bomet–Narok highway after their Land Cruiser collided head-on with a lorry. The tourists were taken to hospital and are in stable condition, police said.
As rescue efforts continue in Waruku, authorities are urging motorists and public service operators to strictly observe traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies.
