9 killed, others injured after matatu plunges into Mbagathi River

At least nine people have died after a matatu plunged into the Mbagathi River on Saturday morning.

Police spokesperson Resla Onyango confirmed that the death toll has risen to nine after one more person succumbed in the hospital. Seventeen others sustained injuries.

According to a police report seen by the Star, six people died on the spot, while two others succumbed as they were being rushed to the hospital.

The incident occurred at 10 am and involved a 33-seater matatu.

The police stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it plunged into the river.

"It happened that the vehicle was being driven from Gataka shopping centre towards Karen Hardy direction. On reaching Mbagathi River, the driver lost control and plunged into the said river," the police report reads.

The vehicle is currently being towed, according to the police.

Police have cautioned that there is heavy traffic on the road and urged motorists to use alternative routes.

The accident occurs as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified its road safety sensitization campaigns across the country.

According to NTSA, 1,553 fatalities have occurred as a result of road crashes from January 1 to April 30, 2024.

Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities at 176, followed by Nakuru and Kiambu with 134 and 128 respectively.

Kisumu recorded 59 deaths, Machakos 56, Kilifi, Meru, Murang'a, and Uasin Gishu recorded 50 cases each, and Narok recorded 48 deaths.

Bungoma had 44 fatalities, Kakamega and Makueni 41 each, Kisii 38, Nyeri 37, Kajiado 34, Kirinyaga 33, and Bomet 31.

Kitui and Migori each recorded 30 deaths, Taita Taveta and Trans Nzoia 28 each, Kericho 27, Embu and Siaya 24 each, and Tharaka Nithi 22.

Laikipia and Turkana each had 21 fatalities, Vihiga 20, Busia, Mombasa, and Nyandarua 19 each, Baringo and Homa Bay 18, Nyamira 17, Kwale 15, and Nandi 13.

Elgeyo Marakwet had 8 cases, Garissa 7, West Pokot 6, Wajir 5, Tana River 4, Isiolo 3, and Lamu, Mandera, and Samburu had two fatalities each.