A Nairobi court has ordered police to produce a matatu driver accused of causing the deaths of three people in a fatal crash allegedly linked to the dangerous driving practice known as “manyoka.”
Milimani Chief Magistrate Paul Mutai directed police to produce the driver Sammy Murigi within 14 days to face charges arising from the fatal road accident as a result of his carelessness. The driver, Murigi disappeared mysteriously after causing the accident and he has never taken plea, nearly three months after the incident, with the court now requiring authorities to ensure that he is brought before it to answer to the charges.
The driver is expected to face three counts of causing death by dangerous driving over the June 3, 2026, crash along Enterprise Road. He is also expected to be charged with driving a motor vehicle on a public road without due care and attention and driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle on a public road.
The case has brought renewed attention to the growing concerns over “manyoka” driving, a term commonly used to describe aggressive and reckless driving by some matatu operators. The practice is associated with high-speed manoeuvres, sudden lane changes, weaving through traffic and other dangerous driving tactics, often allegedly undertaken as drivers compete for passengers or attempt to outdo one another.
The court proceedings come against the backdrop of increasing concerns over road safety and the risks posed to passengers and other road users by reckless driving.
The fatal crash is reported to have claimed the lives of three people, underscoring the potentially deadly consequences of dangerous driving on busy city roads.
The incident has also reignited debate over the responsibility of drivers, vehicle owners and public service vehicle operators in preventing reckless driving and ensuring that vehicles operating on public roads meet required safety standards.
Authorities have continued to face pressure to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws and take action against drivers found engaging in dangerous driving.
With the court order now issued, police have 14 days to produce Murigi before the court, where he is expected to take plea and respond to the charges against him.
