Matatu set on fire after fatal accident involving boda boda rider
By David Nthua, December 31, 2025Everyone in Gitaru, in the Kabete constituency, near the interchange, woke up with a wish to end the year 2025 and witness the year 2026.
That was not to be for a boda boda rider whose lifeless, cold body is now lying at Thogoto Hospital morgue.
The dream of a young, energetic, and hardworking man was shut down within a microsecond by a matatu that attempted to overtake in a bid to escape a heavy traffic snarl-up near the busy interchange.
How the accident happened
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, eyewitnesses described the ordeal as one nobody deserves to witness, let alone experience.
According to residents, the matatu was heading towards Wangige when the driver suddenly tried to switch lanes moments before the fatal impact.
The driver of the matatu, sensing the gravity of the situation, is said to have fled the scene immediately after the crash.
One resident narrated that the matatu had been descending towards Wangige before attempting a risky manoeuvre.
“Matatu ilikua inashuka side ya Wangige lakini ikafikiria kuibia barabara side ya dereva. Na yeye mtu wa boda boda alikua anashuka akienda Wangige.
“Vile aliona dereva amerudi pande ya makanga, na yeye wa boda boda akaamua kurudi side ya dereva, hapo hapo gari ikamgonga ikamuua,” the resident said.
The impact killed the boda boda rider on the spot, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood as other motorists and pedestrians rushed to the scene.
Matatu torched
In the moments that followed, tension quickly escalated, with angry residents turning on the matatu involved in the accident. The vehicle was later set ablaze, reducing it to ashes as crowds watched helplessly.
However, not all residents supported the destruction of the vehicle.
Another local cautioned against mob justice, warning that such actions often punish the wrong people.
“Watu kuchukua sheria mkononi haifai kwa sababu labda mwenye gari hana makosa lakini dereva anakua ni yeye mwenye makosa.
“Na wakati wanachukua sheria mkononi na wanachoma gari, mwenye gari ni yeye ataenda hasara,” the resident said.
Police are yet to issue an official statement as investigations into the accident continue, even as calm slowly returns to Gitaru following the tragic incident.