Nairobi Matatu Driver Charged After Two-Month Manhunt Over Fatal Enterprise Road Crash

A two-month manhunt ended in Malindi after police arrested a Nairobi matatu driver accused of performing dangerous ‘manyoka’ stunts that resulted in a fatal crash along Enterprise Road in the Industrial Area.

Sammy Murigi Maina appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai to face multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving. 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 Isuzu minibus registration number KDU 887C, commonly referred to by its street name “Detat,” and operated by Risen Sacco, along Enterprise Road opposite KCB Bank in Nairobi County.

Court records detail how Maina drove the public service vehicle recklessly before losing control at a roundabout. The minibus struck the kerb and flipped over, blocking the road. The violent rollover killed three passengers – Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekye Nyambura, and Edwin Kago – at the scene.

Beyond the fatalities, Maina 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. These counts relate to passengers Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa, who the prosecution alleges sustained bodily injuries in the crash.

Traffic authorities also cited severe mechanical and structural violations. The court was also presented with a separate charge accusing Maina of driving an un-roadworthy motor vehicle contrary to Section 55(1), as read with Section 58(1) of the Traffic Act.

Inspectors detailed extensive illegal modifications on the Risen Sacco matatu. The charge sheet lists several alleged defects on the vehicle, including an obstructed emergency exit, compromised passenger headroom 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.

Maina will remain in remand for five days, after which the court will deliver its ruling on cash bail.

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