A horrific multi-vehicle collision on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway near Konza City in Machakos County on Friday night, January 2, 2026, claimed the lives of at least six people and left seven others critically injured.
The accident, which occurred around 11 PM in the Katumani area, involved a passenger bus, a matatu shuttle, and a lorry.
Police reports indicate that the fatal crash involved a Tahmeed Coach bus traveling from Mombasa, a Naekana Sacco matatu shuttle headed to Loitoktok, and a lorry.
All six confirmed fatalities were passengers aboard the 14-seater matatu.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti confirmed the incident, stating that emergency response teams from Muumandu and Kyumbi were swiftly deployed to the scene for rescue and evacuation efforts.
The impact of the collision was severe, with photos showing the Naekana Shuttle extensively damaged, its front section completely crushed, and the roof caved in.
Mukaa Sub-county Police Commander Hussein Abduba stated that the matatu driver attempted to overtake several vehicles, including a lorry, when the bus suddenly appeared, leading to a head-on collision.
The seven critically injured passengers were rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where they are currently receiving specialized medical care.
The bodies of the deceased were transferred to a local mortuary at the same hospital.
Governor Ndeti urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially with schools reopening for the first term, a period known for increased traffic on major highways.
