At least seven people have been confirmed dead and more than 30 others seriously injured after a 45-seater matatu lost control and rolled several times in Ikangavya Sub-location, along the Emali–Ukia road in Makueni County on Saturday morning.
The bus, which was headed toward Ukia market, veered off the road near a sharp bend in Ikangavya at around 9:30 a.m. Witnesses say the vehicle rolled three times before landing on its side in a ditch.
“WE HEARD SCREAMS, THEN SILENCE”
Residents were the first responders. Farmers working in nearby shambas dropped their tools and ran to the wreckage.
“We heard a loud bang, then screams. When we got there, people were trapped under seats,” said Peter Mutiso, 42, who helped pull passengers out. “Some were calling for their children. Others were just quiet.”
Good Samaritans and boda boda riders ferried the injured to Emali Level 4 Hospital and Makueni Level 5 Hospital in pickups and private cars before ambulances arrived.
By midday, seven bodies had been moved to the mortuary. Hospital officials confirmed that over 30 people were receiving treatment for fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. Several are said to be in critical condition.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Police from Emali Station say the matatu was overloaded and may have suffered a tyre burst before the driver lost control on a section of the Emali–Ukia road known locally for potholes and poor visibility.
“The vehicle rolled several times. Speed and road condition are among the factors we are investigating,” said Makueni County Police Commander. The driver survived and is among those hospitalized.
The National Transport and Safety Authority, NTSA, has dispatched a team to inspect the vehicle and review its inspection records.
A COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
Ukia market day, usually full of music and trade, was silent. Families gathered at the hospital looking for relatives. Photos of the missing were shared on WhatsApp groups across Makueni and Kajiado.
“These are our mothers going to sell vegetables. Our students going to college. It didn’t have to end like this,” said Grace Kavindu, a local MCA, who visited the injured.
Churches in Ikangavya have called for prayers tonight. The county government said it will waive mortuary fees for the victims and help with transport for families.
Seven lives lost on a road people use every day. Behind the numbers are market traders, students, and parents. The Emali–Ukia road has claimed lives before. Today, a community is asking again: how many more rollovers before the road and the matatus on it are made safe?
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Police have launched investigations. NTSA says it will conduct a crackdown on 45-seater vehicles operating on rural routes without proper safety checks.
County officials are also urging the Kenya National Highways Authority to repair the worst sections of the Emali–Ukia road.
Anyone with information about missing relatives can contact Emali Police Station or Makueni Level 5 Hospital.
