At least five people have died in a fatal crash at Kikopey in Gilgil along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway. The accident involved a Great Rift 14-seater matatu and a trailer, reportedly caused by brake failure on the truck. Rescue operations are ongoing as police confirm injuries and trapped victims.
The crash occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, involving a Great Rift 14-seater matatu and a trailer along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway at Kikopey in Gilgil. Authorities and eyewitnesses reported that brake failure on the truck led to the collision, severely damaging the matatu and raising fears of multiple casualties.
Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru told Kenyans.co.ke: “We have received the report of the incident, and we can confirm that we have dispatched teams and emergency units to respond to the incident.”
The matatu driver, Shadrack Almasi, recounted being caught off guard when his vehicle was hit and crushed against a stationary one, resulting in the immediate deaths of five people. Rescue efforts continue, with teams extracting trapped passengers and rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
Motorists have been urged to drive cautiously on the highway amid ongoing traffic jams caused by the accident. Congestion has worsened due to a large crowd of locals at the scene, some aiding in rescue operations. Traffic officers and emergency services are managing the situation and assisting victims.