A heartbreaking video has surfaced capturing the final moments of a bus driver shortly before a tragic accident along the busy Mombasa–Nairobi Highway, an incident that claimed three lives, including two Kenyatta University students.
The victims were travelling in a 33-seater matatu operated by Lopha Travels, popularly known as ‘Machette’, when the vehicle lost control near the Machinery area in Kibwezi. According to authorities, the matatu veered off the road, crashed through a guardrail, and rolled multiple times before plunging into a nearby bridge.
Chyullu Assistant County Commissioner William Tonui confirmed that the accident was self-involving, leaving three people dead on the spot and six others injured.
In the now-viral clip recorded moments before the crash, the driver appears in high spirits, hyping up the journey to the Coast. Holding a tumbler and standing in front of the bus, he enthusiastically introduces himself as the “leader of the journey,” announcing their trip to Mombasa and Watamu. He also promotes a future travel package, even gesturing a discounted cost of KSh 5,000 for an upcoming July trip.
Authorities revealed that the accident occurred after the driver attempted to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the highway. In the process, he lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal rollover.
The students, who had each contributed approximately KSh 4,900 for the trip, had departed Nairobi early in the morning. Their itinerary included stops in Mtwapa, Watamu, Mambrui, and Mombasa for leisure activities.
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety along Kenyan highways, particularly on the Mombasa–Nairobi route, which has witnessed numerous fatal accidents. Investigations are ongoing as families mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones.