Seven people lost their lives and more than 30 sustained injuries after a 46-seater matatu veered off the road and tumbled down a steep gorge near Kalembwani in Makueni County.
The vehicle was ferrying a dowry ceremony party, including a bride-to-be and family members, traveling from Mbongoni in Kibwezi. The crash occurred roughly three kilometres from their destination, turning a joyous occasion into tragedy.
Eyewitness Reports
- Justus Mbiku, who was attending a family event nearby, described how the matatu left the main road and descended about 400 metres before crashing onto rocks. He recounted, "The vehicle left the main road and tumbled down onto stones, injuring around 30 people and causing seven fatalities."
- Another witness said the vehicle lost control shortly after a diversion, with slippery terrain preventing the driver from regaining steering, causing the matatu to plunge near a river.
Medical Response and Condition of Victims
Makueni County Chief Officer for Health Services, Dr. Harvey Mulei, stated that the county promptly dispatched four ambulances following reports of the accident. Twenty-eight injured victims were taken to Makueni Sub-County Hospital, while 36 were referred to Makueni County Referral Hospital.
Dr. Mulei confirmed that seven people died at the scene. No further fatalities have been reported since admission, and none of the patients require intensive care. Most survivors suffered fractures and soft tissue injuries, with the majority already discharged.
Currently, four patients remain admitted at Makueni County Referral Hospital in stable condition, and no transfers to larger facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital are anticipated.
The swift action by the local community and healthcare workers was credited with saving lives and providing timely treatment to the injured.
