Reckless Speeding Claims Nine Lives: Naivasha Crash Survivors Demand Justice
A tragic collision on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway near Karai, Naivasha, has left nine people dead, including a young child, after a Greenline bus driver allegedly ignored desperate pleas from passengers to slow down.
The early morning accident on January 5, 2026, involved a head-on crash with a Nanyuki Cabs 14-seater matatu, injuring many others now recovering at Naivasha District Hospital.
The accident occurred after the bus, which was destined for Nairobi from Western, rammed into the matatu, killing six adults and three minors near Karai center in Naivasha.
Eyewitness Accounts of Driver’s Defiance
Survivors recounted how the driver sped recklessly from the journey’s start, appearing fatigued and unresponsive to repeated warnings.
One passenger, who lost her three-year-old son, described approaching the driver multiple times, only for him to dismiss concerns about beating a deadline.
Others noted pleas for a driver change or face-washing stop were snubbed by both the driver and conductor, despite children and a full load on board.
“The driver decided to overtake carelessly in the process, ramming into the incoming matatu, and I lost my only child,” she said after escaping with slight injuries.
Broader Road Safety Crisis in Kenya
This incident underscores persistent issues on Kenya’s highways, where speeding, fatigue, and single-driver long-haul trips contribute to frequent fatalities.
This highlights similar survivor stories, amplifying calls for stricter regulations.
“We have noticed an increase in the number of accidents mainly now when children are going back to school, but the Ministry has kept quiet and taken no action,” he said.
This was echoed by Gabriel Juma, who also lost a kin. He said the crackdowns by NTSA and traffic officers were ineffective.
“The conditions of some of these buses are bad, and that is why they are travelling at night, resulting in fatal accidents,” he said.
Data from recent years shows the Nairobi-Nakuru corridor as a high-risk zone, with overloaded vehicles and poor enforcement exacerbating dangers.
Passengers urged Greenline and similar firms to mandate two drivers per long-distance route to combat fatigue and prevent such disasters.
Authorities are investigating, but survivors seek accountability to avoid more grief-stricken families. Strengthening NTSA oversight on speed limits, driver rest, and vehicle checks remains critical for safer Kenyan roads.
Another relative, Augustine Mucheke, told of the pain of losing his 14-year-old niece, who was travelling from Kimilili to Nairobi.
“This marks one of the darkest days in my life as I have lost a niece that I really loved through a road accident that could have been avoided,” he said.