At least one person was killed and more than 20 others injured after a well-known Nairobi matatu, nicknamed Uppercut or Makmende, was involved in a road accident in Tetu, Nyeri County on the night of Sunday, May 11, 2025.
The matatu, which was on a private trip to Nyeri, reportedly overturned in the Jua Kali area. Police confirmed the fatality and said over 20 passengers sustained various injuries. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Hours before the accident, videos had surfaced online showing the matatu being driven recklessly along Thika Superhighway, raising concerns over passenger safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations.
The Kenya Red Cross responded to the scene, assisting with rescue efforts and transporting the injured to hospital.
“A PSV matatu has been involved in a road accident at Dedan Kimathi Ward, Tetu Constituency, Nyeri County. Emergency response teams are at the scene supporting rescue efforts,” the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
Several Kenyans on social media claimed they had previously raised alarms about the matatu’s dangerous driving, but no action had been taken.
