At least one person died and 23 others were injured following a tragic road accident involving the popular Nairobi matatu known as Uppercut. The accident occurred on the night of Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Tetu, Nyeri County, during a private trip to the region.
The matatu, famed for its vibrant graffiti and loud music—a hallmark of Nairobi’s matatu culture—was carrying passengers to Nyeri when it reportedly lost control and veered off the road. Authorities confirmed that the crash resulted in the death of one individual, with several others sustaining serious injuries. Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over the rising number of fatal road accidents across Kenya. Just days earlier, on Thursday night, another devastating accident claimed the lives of at least 12 people in Nakuru County. That crash involved a 14-seater Nissan matatu and a lorry at Arimi along the Njoro-Elburgon Road. According to police, the matatu driver lost control, leading to a head-on collision with the lorry.
Authorities have linked such fatal incidents to a range of causes including tyre bursts, hit-and-run scenarios, vehicles and motorcycles losing control, and dangerous overtaking. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has also identified failure to maintain proper lanes as a major contributor to head-on collisions.
In light of the recent spate of accidents, there are increasing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better driver training. Road safety campaigns are also being ramped up to educate both drivers and passengers on the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
As investigations into the Uppercut accident continue, police are urging all motorists to exercise caution, especially during long-distance travel. The NTSA, in collaboration with law enforcement, has reiterated its commitment to reducing road carnage by introducing more road safety checks and deploying mobile patrol units along high-risk routes.
With road accidents becoming alarmingly frequent, both the government and road users must work together to curb the growing menace and save lives.
