Karai–Naivasha accident: Survivors speak, claim driver ignored repeated warnings

Survivors of the fatal road accident along the Karai–Naivasha stretch have claimed that the driver of the vehicle involved was recklessly driving and ignoring repeated pleas from passengers to slow down, as authorities continue investigations into the crash that claimed at least nine lives.

Speaking from hospital, one survivor who spoke to NTV said passengers became increasingly alarmed by the driver’s speed but were unable to compel him to change his driving despite multiple warnings.

“It was reckless driving, and there was no way we could complain, and he wasn’t listening,” the survivor claimed.

“But we thank God even though we have lost one kid. Personally, I’m not okay. My head and my leg hurt.”

The survivor further appealed to the transport company operating the vehicle to review its safety practices, particularly the use of a single driver on long-distance routes.

“What we are asking Greenline company, because it is the vehicle we used, they need to have at least two drivers, but if they continue with only one, we will continue losing lives,” the survivor opined.

Another survivor echoed similar concerns, claiming the driver failed to heed passengers’ warnings as the vehicle sped along the busy highway.

“The driver was speeding and we tried telling him to slow down but he wasn’t listening to any of us,” the survivor claimed.

The accident occurred on a section of the Karai–Naivasha road that police describe as a high-risk area, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.

Law enforcement officers said congestion and speeding remain major challenges on the route, which serves as a key link between Naivasha and Nairobi.

“On this road there are over-speeding vehicles,” a police officer said. “The big challenge at that time is that there was more traffic flow to Nairobi.”

Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while traffic police secured the scene and launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the crash.

Authorities said the findings will inform any further action, including possible charges or enforcement measures.

The crash occurred at around 2 a.m. on Monday, January 5, involving a bus and a 14-seater matatu, according to police.

Seven people, including two minors, died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in the hospital.

Several other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to Naivasha District Hospital for medical attention.

Police said the bus was travelling from Nakuru to Nairobi at the time of the accident, while the matatu was heading in the opposite direction.