By John Kariuki

The President of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), Albert Karakacha, has expressed his deep sorrow following the tragic deaths of seven individuals in two separate but related road accidents along the Narok-Mai Mahiu Road on Monday morning.

Police reports indicate that the first accident occurred at around 10 a.m. when a trailer traveling from Narok to Mai Mahiu suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The trailer rammed into a Toyota Premio, an ENA Coach bus, and a Narok-Line matatu, forcing the vehicles off the road. Tragically, three of the matatu’s occupants lost their lives at the scene.

As emergency responders and witnesses gathered at the accident site, a second trailer, speeding in the opposite direction toward Narok, collided head-on with a Toyota Prado as it attempted to navigate around the crash site. Two passengers in the Prado died instantly, while a third succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the Narok County Referral Hospital. The trailer also ran over a motorcycle, killing two pillion passengers on the spot.

In his statement, Mr. Karakacha mourned the loss of lives and called for heightened caution and responsible driving, particularly during this festive season when road traffic typically increases.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for drivers to exercise extreme caution, maintain responsible driving practices, and adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such devastating accidents,” he said.

The MOA President also urged authorities to ensure that vehicles on the roads are well-maintained and to enforce stricter penalties for reckless driving.

The incident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures on the busy Narok-Mai Mahiu route, a corridor known for frequent accidents.

As families mourn their loved ones, Mr. Karakacha extended his heartfelt condolences, urging all road users to prioritize safety and responsibility to prevent further loss of life.