At least six people from the same extended family died after the matatu they were traveling in lost control and plunged into the Kiama River in Murang’a County on Sunday morning.
The victims were returning from a dowry ceremony in the Nazareth area of Kiambu County. Among the deceased were a husband and wife. The family came from Ndia village in Kariara Ward, Gatanga Constituency.
Six other passengers survived with injuries and were rushed to Kirwara Hospital and Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for treatment.
The accident occurred at Wacengu Bridge on Sunday, 26 October 2025. Police are investigating the incident and have moved the bodies to a local mortuary.
The accident comes amid a series of road tragedies in Kenya. Just a day before, six people died in a head-on collision at Soysambu near Gilgil along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.
Since Saturday, at least 23 people have been killed in separate accidents, including passengers, pedestrians, and riders, while 30 others were injured.
Just last month, 16 members of the same family died when their vehicle crashed into an oncoming trailer along the same Gilgil area along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
Authorities say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain major causes of accidents. Poor road conditions, mechanical failures, and weak enforcement of traffic laws also contribute to the growing number of crashes.
Officials have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially as the festive season approaches, and called for better road safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
By Vivian K.