A dramatic accident stunned viewers across the country on Monday, July 7, 2025, when a boda boda rider and his passenger were struck by a matatu during a live national television broadcast.
The incident, which occurred at a busy intersection in Mombasa during coverage of the Saba Saba Day events, was captured in real time by NTV cameras, sending shockwaves through newsrooms and social media platforms alike.
The crash unfolded as the matatu, moving slowly through the junction in adherence to traffic signals, was suddenly blindsided by a motorcycle that appeared to ignore the lights and sped into its path.
The collision caused both the rider and passenger to be thrown off the bike and fall directly in front of the matatu’s wheels.
Gasps echoed from both on-site bystanders and studio presenters as the horrifying scene played out on live TV.
Fortunately, the matatu driver reacted quickly, slamming the brakes and stopping just in time to prevent what could have been a fatal outcome.
The matatu’s low speed also played a crucial role in saving the lives of the two victims, both of whom sustained visible injuries.
They were rushed to the hospital by emergency responders and are reported to be in stable condition.
The footage has since gone viral, sparking a fierce online debate about road safety and the conduct of motorcycle riders in urban areas.
Many Kenyans on social media criticized the boda boda rider for reckless driving and putting his passenger’s life at risk.
“Whoever convinced boda boda riders that they must always be ahead of every vehicle on the road made a serious mistake,” wrote Frank Komu, a Facebook user. “They ride like traffic rules don’t apply to them.”
Another commenter, Jenner Elsie, echoed the frustrations:
“Watu wa nduthi wanatokaga from nowhere. You just see them zoom past without warning.”
Public outrage intensified given that the incident was not isolated. Just a day earlier, in Embu County, another tragic boda boda accident occurred, resulting in the deaths of a rider and his passenger.
The crash involved a black SUV linked to David Kariuki, a former deputy governor and current National Social Security Fund (NSSF) chairman.
That vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the Kapingazi River, leaving a trail of devastation and renewed public concern over increasing road carnage.
Back in Mombasa, traffic officers have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the Monday crash and whether the boda boda rider violated any traffic laws.
The incident has also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, especially targeting motorcycle operators, many of whom have been blamed for reckless behavior and ignoring traffic rules in urban centers.
As Kenya continues to grapple with road safety issues, the live broadcast of the Mombasa crash has served as a jarring reminder of the fragile balance between survival and tragedy on the country’s roads.
Authorities are urging all road users to exercise caution, particularly during national holidays and periods of increased movement such as Saba Saba Day.
By Keyans