The driver of a matatu that overturned along Enterprise Road in Nairobi in June, killing three people, has been charged with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
Sammy Murigi Maina, who had been on the run since the June 3, 2026 crash, appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai after he was arrested in Malindi. According to the charge sheet, Maina faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to Section 46 of the Traffic Act, Cap 403 of the Laws of Kenya.
The prosecution alleges that on June 3, 2026, at about 8pm, Maina was driving an Isuzu minibus registration operated by Risen Sacco, along Enterprise Road opposite KCB Bank in Nairobi County.
The prosecution claims that Maina drove the vehicle recklessly and dangerously before losing control while negotiating a roundabout. The vehicle allegedly hit the kerb, overturned and landed across the road. Three people Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekye Nyambura and Edwin Kago are alleged to have died at the scene following the crash.
Maina also faces two counts of driving a motor vehicle on a public road without due care and attention, contrary to Section 49(1) of the Traffic Act. The charges relate to passengers Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa, who the prosecution alleges sustained bodily injuries in the crash.
In a separate charge, Maina is accused of driving an un-roadworthy motor vehicle contrary to Section 55(1), as read with Section 58(1) of the Traffic Act.
The charge sheet lists several alleged defects on the vehicle. These include an obstructed emergency exit, reduced passenger headroom allegedly caused by multimedia screens, modified passenger seats, unsecured power inverters in the driver’s cabin, dark reflective tint on passenger windows and a modified dashboard that allegedly obstructed the driver’s view of the road.
The case comes against the backdrop of reports that the matatu had been involved in dangerous manoeuvres commonly referred to as “manyoka” shortly before the fatal crash.
Maina had remained at large for several months before his arrest in Malindi and subsequent appearance in court. He will remain in remand until September 24, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on whether he will be released on bond.
