On Saturday, tensions flared along Thika Superhighway following an accident involving a matatu and a bodaboda rider. The incident occurred when a matatu, reportedly operating under the Githurai 45 Bus Sacco, made an abrupt stop on the busy highway. This sudden halt allegedly triggered a rear-end collision involving bodaboda riders who were trailing the vehicle.
One bodaboda rider sustained injuries as a result of the crash, sparking anger among fellow riders at the scene. In retaliation, a group of bodaboda riders began pelting the matatu with stones, shattering its windows. The incident caused a brief disruption of traffic along the busy highway as onlookers gathered and motorists slowed down to observe the chaotic scene.
Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as bodaboda riders expressed their frustration and accused the matatu driver of reckless driving. The situation was further aggravated by the perceived lack of immediate accountability from the matatu crew. Although the full extent of the injured rider’s condition remains unclear, emergency services were reportedly called in to provide assistance.
The commotion drew the attention of traffic police who arrived at the scene to control the situation and restore order. By the time law enforcement intervened, the matatu had sustained significant damage, primarily to its windows and side panels.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between matatu drivers and bodaboda operators on Kenyan roads, particularly on major highways like Thika Road, where competition for space and right of way often leads to conflict. Authorities are expected to launch investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident and take necessary measures to prevent such altercations in the future. Meanwhile, motorists are being urged to exercise caution and patience on the road to avoid similar incidents.
