A woman tragically lost her life after jumping from a moving 14-seater matatu that had lost its brakes while ferrying passengers from Karatina to Embu.
The matatu reportedly experienced brake failure after passing Kagumo Town in Kirinyaga County.
The driver managed to control the vehicle for approximately 10 kilometres before it came to a stop on a farm near Gitwe, close to Kirinyaga University. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no further fatalities or injuries.
According to witnesses, the driver of the 4NTE Sacco matatu pleaded with passengers to remain calm and avoid jumping or opening windows as he tried to navigate the situation.
Despite his efforts, fear prompted two passengers, a woman and a boy, to leap from the moving vehicle.
The woman, who jumped near the gate of Kerugoya Boys High School, died on the spot, while the boy sustained minor injuries.
Eyewitnesses noted that the matatu sped through the busy Kerugoya Town with its doors open, raising alarm among road users.
Samuel Kamau, the manager of the 4NTE Sacco in Kerugoya, commended the driver for his efforts to control the vehicle under difficult circumstances.
He stated that those who remained in the matatu emerged unscathed.
“The driver manoeuvred through the busy Kerugoya Town, even passing between two vehicles and damaging side mirrors and the passenger door. Those who stayed inside are safe. We are investigating the incident,” Kamau said.
John Kiama, Kirinyaga County’s head of fire disaster management, revealed that the screams of passengers were initially mistaken for mourning sounds from the nearby Kirinyaga Referral Hospital mortuary.
Upon realizing it was an emergency, responders followed the vehicle and discovered the woman’s body near Kerugoya Boys High School, along with the detached passenger door a few meters away.
Police and ambulance services were contacted and the body was transported to Kerugoya General Hospital.
Kiama emphasized the importance of regular vehicle inspections and safe driving practices to prevent such incidents.
“Drivers must ensure their vehicles undergo full inspections, especially for long-distance travel. Additionally, avoid overspeeding to safeguard lives,” he urged.
