A video has emerged on social media showing the ‘Uppercut’ matatu being driven recklessly along Thika Road, just hours before it was involved in an accident in Nyeri.
In the footage circulating online, the matatu is seen swaying between lanes on the busy highway, with young men hanging off the left side and others leaning out of the windows.
Later that day, the same matatu overturned during a road trip to Nyeri.
Hiyo nganya ime overturn na watu, ilikuwa spotted earlier today dicing with death somewhere along Thika Road. It was just a matter of time. pic.twitter.com/vl1v0DrNUh
— ?????????? ????? (@iamjoseh_) May 11, 2025
Another video shared widely on X shows the vehicle lying on its roof with neon lights still flashing and loud music still playing.
Screams can be heard in the background, and one woman appears to be in distress, as another voice calls for help: “Manze Uppercut imeanguka! Tusaidieni!” (Uppercut has overturned! Help us!).
So sad? pic.twitter.com/AjeBUwgTcD
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) May 11, 2025
The incident sparked sharp reactions online, with users calling out the matatu crew and questioning the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over the enforcement of road safety measures.
“@ntsa_kenya someone recorded and reported this matatu earlier for dangerous driving... Are you now going to suspend the SACCO? Summon the driver and conductor? Deregister the vehicle? Start investigations?” posted DN Kariuki.
Another user, @kodjooh, wrote: “It’s high time NTSA acts. Our transport sector needs to evolve.”
@njongorod recounted seeing the matatu earlier in the day in Nairobi’s CBD: “I saw them prepping along Moi Avenue and was alarmed by the number of young men hanging on both sides. NTSA needs to step in before more lives are lost.”
Following the crash, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that 22 people were injured, with 18 sustaining minor injuries and four in critical condition. The critically injured were taken to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital. The organization also said its teams offered psychosocial support to victims and assisted in family tracing efforts.
A PSV matatu has been involved in a road accident at Dedan Kimathi Ward, Tetu Constituency, Nyeri County.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) May 11, 2025
Emergency response teams are at the scene supporting rescue efforts.
The incident comes against the backdrop of new data released by the NTSA, which shows a decrease in road crash figures in the first quarter of 2025. According to the report, 5,856 people were involved in road accidents between January 1 and March 31—a drop of 1,908 cases compared to the same period in 2024.
Of those involved, 1,139 people lost their lives, down slightly from the 1,166 deaths recorded last year. An additional 3,316 individuals sustained serious injuries, while 2,693 suffered minor injuries.
The report also showed that 189 passengers and 83 drivers died in various crashes during the period, both figures lower than the 243 passengers and 94 drivers who died in the same period in 2024.
NTSA is yet to issue a public statement regarding the Uppercut matatu crash.
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