A matatu driver accused of causing the deaths of three people during the ‘Manyoka’ Challenge along Enterprise Road has been denied bail after a court ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient grounds to warrant his detention pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Sammy Murigi Maina who on September 17, 2026, was arraigned and charged with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of driving a motor vehicle on a public road without due care and attention will remain in custody pending his trial.
Maina had initially been scheduled to take plea on July 14, 2026, but failed to appear in court. The court subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was later apprehended before being presented in court. The prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he posed a flight risk, had no clearly established fixed residence and could interfere with witnesses. The State also raised concerns about his safety if released, citing public anger following the fatal crash.
In its ruling, the court found that Maina’s actual place of residence had not been established with sufficient precision. The magistrate noted that police had taken time to trace him after the charge sheet was presented and that he had remained at large for about two months while warrants of arrest were in force.
The court also considered the possibility of interference with witnesses, noting that some of the eyewitnesses were residents of Kamarock, where the accused was also known. Given the seriousness of the charges and the need to protect the integrity of the proceedings, the court ruled that the eyewitnesses should first be allowed to testify before the question of bond could be reconsidered.
The court consequently denied Maina bail and bond and directed police to ensure that he receives the necessary medical attention while in custody. Lawyers representing the families of the deceased and injured victims welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
The legal team said the ruling demonstrated that the law applies to all motorists and should serve as a warning to drivers who operate vehicles recklessly and put the lives of other road users at risk.
The lawyers also commended the court for what they described as a measured and well-reasoned decision to deny the accused bond at this stage of the proceedings. They said the families had endured months of anguish while waiting for the case to move forward and expressed hope that the ruling would allow the matter to proceed without interference.
The lawyers further called on the matatu industry to strengthen oversight of drivers and ensure that motorists comply with the Highway Code and other road safety requirements. They said the case should reinforce the need for responsible driving and greater vigilance among public service vehicle operators, particularly where reckless driving can result in deaths and serious injuries. The Enterprise Road crash left three people dead and others injured, plunging their families into mourning.
With the accused now in custody, the victims’ families expressed hope that the case would proceed expeditiously and that they would ultimately obtain justice and closure. The court is expected to reconsider the question of bond after key eyewitnesses have testified.
