A tragic incident along Thika Road has sparked public outrage after a passenger lost his life following an altercation over a fare deficit. The incident, which occurred at Kahawa Sukari, involved a Super Metro matatu with registration number KDL 125N. The driver, identified as David Nderitu, has since been arrested, while police continue searching for the tout involved.
The deceased, Gilbert Thuku Kimani, had boarded the matatu from Kahawa Wendani en route to Thika. According to eyewitnesses, the fare was Ksh.80, but Gilbert only had Ksh.50. This led to an argument between him and the tout. Shockingly, Gilbert was allegedly pushed out of the moving vehicle, causing him to fall and get run over by the rear tyre, leading to his immediate death.
Upon realizing the severity of the situation, the matatu crew reportedly sped away from the scene, leaving bystanders in shock. Witnesses quickly notified the authorities, and the vehicle was later impounded while the driver was taken into custody. Ruiru Police Commander Charles Kibathi confirmed the arrest, stating, “The vehicle was driven by David Nderitu, who failed to stop where one passenger fell, and he was overran by the rear tyre and succumbed. We are appealing to those who were inside the vehicle to come out and give us statements on what happened.”
The tragic death of Gilbert Kimani has left his family in deep mourning. At their home in Kandara, Murang’a County, grief-stricken relatives struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of a man who was a father and the family’s breadwinner. Calls for justice have intensified, with many Kenyans condemning the recklessness and inhumane treatment often witnessed in the matatu industry.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible will face the full force of the law. The driver is set to be charged with causing death by dangerous driving, while police continue efforts to locate the tout involved.
This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for reforms in Kenya’s public transport sector, calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such senseless tragedies.
