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Families mourn kin killed in Elburgon road crash that claimed 12 lives
The wreckage of the 14-seater matatu that collided with a lorry on the Elburgon-Njoro road in Nakuru County killing 12 passengers on May 08, 2025.
What you need to know:
- According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the matatu lost control of the vehicle before colliding with the lorry.
- Motorists asked to be cautious while driving, especially on Molo-Njoro road, which is narrow and has sharp bends.
Kiarie Mburu, whose father, Samson Mburu died in Thursday’s road crash that claimed 12 lives at Arimi black spot on the Elburgon-Njoro road, said he did not know that his father was among the victims.
Speaking at Molo Sub County Hospital Mortuary after viewing and identifying his father's body, Kiarie said he was still at the scene rescuing survivors and collecting the bodies alongside the police and Kenya Red Cross volunteers.
"I was shocked to learn later that my father, who was heading home from his work place in Elburgon town, was among those killed in the crash. When I called him to know his whereabouts, the call was received by a police officer who asked me to go to the mortuary since my father was no more," said Kiarie outside the mortuary.
Mr Laban Mutura, the grandfather of a Form Three student, Peninah Wambui Njuguna ,14, who also perished in the crash, said he was shocked to hear the news of his granddaughter's death.
"I was called around 7pm by a friend informing me that an accident had happened at Arimi blackspot involving a public service vehicle which had students on board. As I walked towards the scene, I was stopped by residents who requested me not to proceed to the crash scene," said Mr Mutura.
Ms Lydia Wanjiku, Peninah’s mother, could not comprehend her daughter’s death.
"My daughter had a bright future since she was hardworking and did well in school. She was very active and I will really miss her," said Ms Wanjiku.
Pastor Gladice Andrew, who worked at the Expression Flower Farm Company in Njoro, said he lost four of her colleagues in the crash.
"My colleagues spent the day at work and left in the evening to go and condole with another colleague who had lost a relative," said Pastor Gladice.
The incident happened when the 14-seater matatu, which was travelling towards Njoro, collided with a lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction.
It has since emerged that the Nakuru- Kiambogo Nissan Sacco matatu was not operating on that route and the driver may not have been familiar with the route.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the matatu lost control of the vehicle before colliding with the lorry.
Mr John Mureithi, who was on board the lorry that was going to Molo town from Nyahururu, said he sustained minor injuries. He said the matatu rolled after colliding head on.
According to Molo Sub County Police Commander Timon Odingo, 30 people have lost their lives in road accidents in the area since January.
"Most of these accidents are caused by human error and mechanical problems. Road furrows, sharp bends, lack of signage, wrong erection of bumps and incorrect road designs are the other factors that have resulted in road accidents," he said.
Mr Odingo called on Motorists to be cautious while driving, especially on Molo-Njoro road, which is narrow and has sharp bends.