The driver of a matatu linked to a deadly crash that claimed five lives along Enterprise Road in Nairobi has been arrested nearly two months after the incident. The suspect was reportedly traced to Malindi and taken into custody on Wednesday, days after a court ordered police to produce him.
Highlights
- Five passengers died in the June 3 Enterprise Road crash.
- The matatu overturned near the Dar es Salaam Roundabout.
- The driver allegedly remained at large for nearly two months.
- A Nairobi court had ordered police to produce the suspect within 14 days.
- He is expected to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving.
Main Story
Driver Arrested in Malindi
Police have arrested a matatu driver accused of being behind the wheel during a fatal crash that left five passengers dead in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
The suspect was arrested in Malindi on Wednesday, following a search that lasted nearly two months. Police said he was expected to be arraigned in court on Thursday.
The arrest comes shortly after a Nairobi court directed authorities to produce the suspect within 14 days.
Five Passengers Died in June Crash
The incident occurred on June 3, 2026, at around 8pm near the Dar es Salaam Roundabout, opposite KCB Bank along Enterprise Road.
The D’etat matatu overturned, killing five passengers and leaving dozens of others injured.
Witness accounts and video footage reportedly captured moments before the crash, with the vehicle allegedly being driven recklessly and performing dangerous “Manyoka” manoeuvres.
The driver survived the crash but was not arrested or presented before court immediately after the incident.
Court Orders Police to Produce Suspect
The suspect’s arrest followed mounting pressure over the delay in bringing him before the courts.
Milimani Magistrate Paul Mutai issued an order last week requiring police to produce the driver within 14 days.
The development came after families of the victims raised concerns over what they considered a lack of progress in the case.
Some members of the public also questioned why the driver had remained out of custody for such an extended period despite the number of lives lost in the crash.
Expected to Face Dangerous Driving Charge
The driver is expected to face a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, setting the stage for the criminal case surrounding the June crash.
Police said their efforts to locate the suspect eventually led officers to Malindi, where he was apprehended.
The case has renewed debate about reckless driving and enforcement of traffic laws, particularly amid concerns that some motorists allegedly rely on political connections to evade consequences for traffic offences.
Police have previously alleged that some politicians own vehicles involved in road incidents, potentially complicating enforcement efforts.
Road Safety Concerns Persist
The deadly Enterprise Road crash adds to growing concerns over dangerous driving and the continued loss of lives on Kenyan roads.
Authorities have repeatedly urged motorists to observe traffic regulations, while road safety advocates have called for stronger enforcement against drivers who put passengers and other road users at risk.
For the families who lost loved ones, the driver’s arrest marks an important step but the coming court proceedings will determine accountability for one of Nairobi’s most closely watched matatu crashes.
After months of waiting, the victims’ families may finally get their day in court but will the case deliver the accountability they have been seeking?
