At least 24 people have died and 24 others sustained injuries after a church bus collided with a truck along Kenya’s Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, raising fresh concerns over road safety in the country.
The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Kanga, near Mtito Andei in Makueni County.
The bus, belonging to Power of the Word Church International in Mombasa, was carrying mourners returning from the burial of Bishop Isaiah Kiganane in western Kenya.
The tragedy comes barely three weeks after another accident on the same highway claimed 17 lives.
What Caused the Kenya Bus Crash?
Preliminary investigations suggest that improper overtaking may have contributed to the deadly collision involving the church bus and a commercial cement tipper truck.
According to Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif, the bus was attempting to overtake several vehicles when the driver lost control.
The vehicle reportedly skidded onto the opposite side of the road and collided with the truck, causing extensive damage.
Part of the bus’s roof was ripped off during the collision.
However, authorities have not established the final cause of the accident, and investigations remain ongoing.
Survivors Recount Moments Before Crash
Survivors described frightening moments as the bus reportedly swayed before overturning.
The passengers had travelled overnight from western Kenya after attending the funeral of Bishop Isaiah Kiganane.
They stopped for breakfast at Mtito Andei shortly before continuing their journey towards Mombasa.
According to local reports, the accident occurred shortly after the bus resumed its journey.
One survivor, Violet Mwandonyi, said she could not clearly remember the collision but recalled passengers crying out for help.
Another survivor gave a different account, suggesting that the truck struck the bus before it overturned.
The conflicting accounts have made the ongoing investigation important in establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Local reporting has also raised questions about driver fatigue following the overnight journey, although fatigue has not been officially established as a contributing factor.
President Ruto Orders Vehicle Inspections
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed authorities to conduct comprehensive inspections of public service vehicles.
The inspections are intended to ensure compliance with existing road safety regulations.
Ruto also urged motorists, particularly drivers of passenger vehicles, to observe traffic rules and exercise greater caution.
Meanwhile, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced plans to strengthen road safety enforcement.
The government is expected to engage Parliament, the Judiciary, police and county authorities on additional measures to reduce accidents.
Officials are also considering stronger driver training and enforcement against speeding and dangerous overtaking.
Why Road Accidents Remain a Concern in Kenya
The Nairobi–Mombasa Highway is one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors, connecting the capital with the country’s main seaport.
However, repeated fatal accidents have raised questions about traffic enforcement, dangerous overtaking and vehicle safety.
The latest collision occurred just weeks after another crash near Salama claimed 17 lives, including Catholic pilgrims.
Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority has described the country’s road accident situation as a national emergency.
According to the authority, approximately 20,000 road crashes occur annually, resulting in more than 5,000 deaths.
These figures have increased calls for more effective road safety policies and enforcement.
Government Faces Pressure to Improve Road Safety
The latest tragedy has renewed attention on the need for stronger road safety measures, particularly along major highways.
Transport authorities are under pressure to address dangerous driving, improve compliance with traffic regulations and ensure passenger vehicles meet safety standards.
For families affected by the accident, attention remains focused on medical treatment for survivors and support for those who lost loved ones.
As investigations continue, the findings could help determine what went wrong and whether additional safety measures are required to prevent similar tragedies.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
