A trailer driver involved in the tragic Kikopey accident on Sunday has recounted the final moments before the collision that left 16 people dead. The deadly crash took place along the busy Nakuru–Nairobi Highway.
The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, when a matatu carrying 14 passengers attempted an unsafe overtaking maneuver, colliding head-on with an oncoming trailer. The crash instantly claimed several lives and caused widespread devastation.
According to Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru, 13 people died immediately at the accident site. Three other victims later passed away while undergoing medical treatment at nearby health facilities, bringing the total fatalities to 16.
In an interview with a local television station, the trailer driver recalled the horrifying moments before impact. He said he saw the matatu approaching at high speed but had no chance to avoid the crash despite braking and honking.
“I saw the matatu rushing towards me, and I pressed the horn while applying brakes. Everything unfolded very fast, and within seconds, the vehicles collided head-on,” the visibly shaken driver explained during the broadcast.
The accident has left families in mourning, among them the household of Stephen Gicharu. His wife and two children had boarded the matatu that morning to attend a function in Nakuru, unaware of the tragedy ahead.
Gicharu recounted his pain, saying he had spoken to them before they left but later could not reach them on the phone. He eventually discovered his wife and one child had perished, while the other child was seriously hurt.
The Road Safety Association of Kenya chairman, David Kiarie, attributed the growing number of accidents to flaws in the licensing process. He argued that corruption enables some drivers to acquire licenses without receiving proper training or skills.
Police have once again cautioned drivers on the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway, a route known for frequent deadly crashes. Motorists are urged to follow traffic regulations, avoid reckless overtaking, and drive responsibly as investigations into the Kikopey tragedy continue.
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