Matatu Passengers Escape Death Narrowly After Brakes Fail on Bomet-Narok Highway

Several passengers are lucky to be alive following a terrifying road accident that occurred on Wednesday evening along the Bomet-Narok highway.

The incident took place at Kipsoen area in Longisa, when a Nairobi-bound matatu lost control and veered off the road, plunging into a ditch after failing to navigate a sharp bend.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle appeared to be moving at high speed before the driver lost control. “It all happened so quickly. One moment, the matatu was on the road, and the next it had swerved off into the ditch,” said John Kipchirchir, a local resident who witnessed the crash.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities. Residents nearby rushed to the scene and helped evacuate the passengers from the wrecked minibus. All victims were rushed to Longisa County Referral Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries and later discharged.

The matatu was later towed from the accident scene as traffic authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest brake failure as the likely cause.

This incident adds to the growing concern over the safety standards of public service vehicles on Kenyan roads, especially on highways known for sharp bends and steep gradients.

Authorities are urging matatu operators to ensure their vehicles undergo regular maintenance and safety checks to prevent such life-threatening incidents.

In other news:Atwoli Proposes Changes in Tax Deductions for Salaried Kenyans

Matatu Passengers Escape Death Narrowly After Brakes Fail on Bomet-Narok Highway