MTITO ANDEI CRASH LINKED TO RECKLESS OVERTAKING

At least 22 people have died following a head-on collision involving a church bus and a lorry at Kanga, near Mtito Andei, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, with preliminary findings pointing to suspected dangerous overtaking as a possible cause.

The accident occurred at around 7am on Sunday, October 25, 2026, leaving several other passengers injured and bringing traffic to a standstill as emergency responders attended to the victims.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) confirmed that the two vehicles collided head-on, noting that early investigations suggest improper overtaking may have contributed to the crash.

In a statement, the authority said its crash investigation team was working alongside the police to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly collision.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicles collided head-on and suggest that improper overtaking may have contributed to the crash. The NTSA crash investigation team is collaborating with the police to establish the full circumstances that led to the crash,” the authority said.

The death toll initially stood at 20 before two more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, bringing the number of fatalities to 22.

Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif confirmed the initial fatalities, while survivors were taken to Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital and Makindu Sub-County Hospital for treatment. The bodies of those who died were transferred to the Mtito Andei hospital mortuary.

The bus reportedly belonged to The Power of the Word Church International and was carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony. Preliminary accounts indicate that the bus was travelling from the Mombasa direction towards Nairobi when it collided with an oncoming lorry.

Reports further suggest that the bus may have been overtaking another vehicle shortly before the collision. However, investigators are yet to establish the precise sequence of events or determine whether other factors contributed to the crash.

Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Kevin Wamalwa confirmed that the facility was attending to survivors and compiling a list of casualties.

“It is a serious accident. We are attending to those who have survived,” Wamalwa told reporters.

He said he received information about the crash shortly before 8am, adding that some victims died while undergoing treatment.

The identities of all those who died and the full condition of the injured had not been established by Sunday.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined Kenyans in mourning the victims, describing the loss of 22 lives as a painful moment for the country.

“The disastrous crash at Mtito Andei today, which has robbed our nation of 22 lives, is a painful ordeal for all of us as the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said in a statement shared on October 25.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, wished the injured a speedy recovery and prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives.

“May the Almighty God grant eternal rest to our dear Kenyans who have lost their lives,” he added.

Gachagua also urged motorists to exercise caution as the Christmas holiday season approaches, when many Kenyans are expected to travel to their rural homes and other destinations.

He noted that the ongoing rainy season required increased vigilance from road users and called on authorities responsible for road safety to strengthen measures aimed at protecting motorists and passengers.

“No Kenyan, no human being deserves to lose a life out of negligence and recklessness,” he said.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr also sent condolences to the affected families and confirmed that the injured were receiving medical attention.

The latest crash has renewed concerns about road safety along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, a major transport route used by passenger vehicles and commercial trucks travelling between the capital and the Coast.

The tragedy comes weeks after another accident along the same highway reportedly claimed the lives of 17 pilgrims on October 3, adding to concerns over fatal crashes on the route.

Dangerous overtaking, speeding and driver fatigue remain among the road safety risks authorities have sought to address through enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

The National Police Service and NTSA have intensified road safety sensitisation ahead of the December festive season, when increased travel is expected as families make plans to celebrate Christmas together.

Higher passenger demand during the holidays can place additional pressure on drivers, particularly those making repeated journeys without sufficient rest.

Authorities have urged motorists to observe traffic rules and exercise caution, especially during rainy weather, when road conditions can make driving more challenging.

Investigations into the Kanga collision are ongoing, with NTSA and the police expected to establish the exact cause of the crash and determine whether dangerous overtaking or other factors contributed to the deaths.

As the investigation continues, families are left mourning their loved ones while survivors receive treatment, once again highlighting the devastating consequences of road crashes on Kenyan highways.