At least four people are confirmed dead and 15 others injured after a popular matatu known as “Detat” — associated with the Komarock 19C route — overturned along Enterprise Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area on the night of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Police said the accident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m., near the Dar es Salaam Roundabout. The matatu was travelling from the DT Dobie direction towards General Motors when a motorcycle emerged from Dakar Road without giving way. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the driver swerved, struck the central island kerb at the roundabout, lost control, and the vehicle overturned onto its left side.
The motorcycle rider fled the scene immediately and has not yet been identified. Authorities are actively working to trace him.
Four people died at the scene from multiple injuries — three passengers and an unidentified female pedestrian estimated to be around 30 years old. The driver sustained a fractured left leg and was hospitalised. At least 15 other passengers were taken to various hospitals with injuries of varying severity, and police have warned that the casualty count could rise.
Eyewitnesses, however, painted a more troubling picture ahead of the crash. Several accounts allege the matatu was being driven recklessly — with at least six passengers reportedly hanging outside the vehicle as it performed dangerous swerving manoeuvres locally known as manyoka. Some of the casualties are believed to be among those clinging to the outside of the vehicle when it lost control.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed its rapid deployment to the scene. “A mass casualty road traffic incident involving an overturned PSV has occurred along Enterprise Road in Industrial Area, opposite Nairobi Prison. Kenya Red Cross emergency response teams are on the scene providing first aid and evacuation support to those affected,” the organisation stated.
The bodies of the deceased were transferred to Nairobi City Mortuary, pending formal identification and post-mortem examinations. Police have launched investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
The tragedy has reignited public outrage over matatu recklessness on Kenyan roads. Social media erupted with condemnations, with one user writing, “Hizi nganya siku hizi kupanda imekua risky manze” — reflecting widespread concern about the growing danger of boarding public service vehicles.
The crash comes just days after another deadly incident on the Nairobi Expressway near Ole Sereni, where a Mercedes-Benz burst into flames after colliding with roadside barriers, underscoring a disturbing pattern of road carnage gripping the capital.
Authorities are yet to confirm whether any charges will be brought in connection with the Enterprise Road crash.
