A matatu driver, Sammy Murigi Maina, faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal accident along Enterprise Road in Kenya. Five witnesses, including three passengers and two investigating officers, testified against him at the Milimani Law Courts. The witnesses recounted how the matatu was allegedly driven at high speed, making dangerous ‘Manyoka’ manoeuvres moments before it overturned. This resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to several others.
According to one of the passengers, the matatu was travelling at a speed of between 100 and 120 kilometres per hour before the crash. The investigating officers also presented their findings, with one linking excessive speed to the accident. The prosecution's claims were based on eyewitness accounts and physical evidence from the scene. The defence, however, challenged the witnesses' accounts, questioning their ability to observe the alleged reckless driving.
The hearing was presided over by Principal Magistrate Paul Mutai, who ordered that Maina be escorted to Mbagathi Hospital for medical treatment. Maina remains in custody after the court previously declined to grant him bail, citing concerns that he could interfere with eyewitnesses and that his safety could be at risk if released. The court expressed concerns about Maina's potential influence on witnesses.
The case will be mentioned on November 23 to confirm Maina's medical progress, with the hearing scheduled to resume on December 16, 2026. The prosecution presented five witnesses, including three passengers who were in the matatu at the time of the accident. Two investigating officers also testified, providing their findings on the cause of the accident.
The accident occurred along Enterprise Road, a major thoroughfare in Nairobi, Kenya. The matatu, a type of public transportation, was involved in a fatal crash that resulted in significant loss of life. The incident sparked widespread concern about road safety and reckless driving.
The defence team's challenge of the witnesses' accounts focused on their credibility and the reliability of the evidence. The prosecution maintained that the evidence presented was sufficient to support the charges against Maina. The court will continue to hear the case and consider the evidence presented.
The case highlights the importance of road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations. The court's decision will have significant implications for Maina and the community.
Key points
- Driver Sammy Murigi Maina faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
- Five witnesses testified against Maina, including three passengers and two investigating officers.
- The court ordered Maina to receive medical treatment at Mbagathi Hospital.
