Five killed as matatu crashes into broken down truck on Nakuru-Eldoret highway

Five individuals lost their lives in a fatal accident on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway near the Mau Summit area. The collision occurred early Saturday morning between a matatu and a stalled truck, leading to the deaths of five passengers and injuries to four others. The Toyota Hiace matatu, operated by Kapsowar Sacco, was en route from Nairobi to Eldoret when it struck the rear of the Mercedes-Benz truck, which had come to a halt on the climbing lane.

The identities of the deceased passengers have yet to be confirmed. The four injured passengers received medical attention at the Londiani Sub-County Hospital. The victims were subsequently transferred to the Londiani Hospital mortuary for further examination. Police initiated an investigation into the incident, which has reignited concerns over road safety on major highways, especially during early morning hours.

Earlier that week, 12 people were killed in separate accidents, while on another day, five individuals lost their lives and three were injured in a separate incident. Road fatalities have been on the rise despite law enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, with authorities pointing to reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving as primary causes, alongside mechanical failures like worn-out tires and faulty brakes.