A woman tragically lost her life after jumping from a runaway 14-seater matatu in Kirinyaga County. The matatu, which was traveling from Karatina to Embu, experienced brake failure shortly after passing Kagumo Town. The driver struggled to control the vehicle for approximately 10 kilometers before bringing it to a halt near Gitwe, close to Kirinyaga University.
Eyewitnesses report that the driver of the 4NTE Sacco matatu did his best to reassure passengers, urging them to stay calm and not to jump or open windows while navigating the challenging situation. However, fear overtook some passengers. A woman and a boy, unable to bear the stress, jumped from the moving vehicle. The woman, who leapt near the gate of Kerugoya Boys High School, died instantly upon impact, while the boy sustained only minor injuries.
Despite the chaos, the driver managed to steer the vehicle through the busy streets of Kerugoya Town, even squeezing between two vehicles. In the process, the matatu damaged side mirrors and the passenger door. Fortunately, the remaining passengers inside the vehicle emerged unscathed.
Samuel Kamau, the manager of the 4NTE Sacco, praised the driver for his efforts in controlling the vehicle during such a perilous situation. “Those who stayed inside are safe, and we are investigating the incident,” Kamau said.
John Kiama, the head of Kirinyaga County’s fire disaster management, shared that the sounds of panic and distress from the passengers were initially mistaken for mourning from the nearby mortuary. Emergency responders traced the vehicle and found the woman’s body near Kerugoya Boys High School, along with the detached passenger door.
Kiama emphasized the importance of regular vehicle inspections and adherence to safe driving practices, especially for long-distance travel. “Drivers must ensure their vehicles undergo full inspections and avoid overspeeding to prevent such accidents,” he urged.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for enhanced vehicle safety standards and careful driving to protect lives on the road.
