Ten Injured in Tahmeed Bus and Matatu Crash in Mombasa

• Apr 05, 2025

At least ten people were seriously injured after a Tahmeed bus collided with a matatu on the Kibarani Flyover in Mombasa early Saturday morning. The crash happened around 1 am, when the bus, which was heading uphill from Mwembe Tayari, reportedly developed mechanical problems and began rolling backward.

According to eyewitnesses, the brakes of the 52-seater Tahmeed bus failed, causing it to lose control and ram into a matatu from the Miritini Sacco that was ferrying passengers to Mikindani. One survivor, who had been sitting at the back of the matatu, said he sensed danger after seeing someone jump out of the bus and decided to follow suit.

“There weren’t many of us in the matatu at the time. I was seated at the back, peering through the window to check on the traffic, when I saw someone jump out of the bus. That’s when I also decided to jump out,” he said.

He added that the situation was made worse by boda boda riders who had encroached onto the bus lane. “Unfortunately, the bus veered off and knocked down some of the motorcyclists. Other vehicles coming from behind didn’t have time to stop either,” he said.

Passengers seated at the front of the matatu, including the driver, were reported to have sustained the most serious injuries. Some passengers in another matatu that crashed into the bus from behind were also hurt.

All injured persons were taken to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the accident.

Chaani Member of County Assembly (MCA), Frankline Makanga, visited the crash site and emphasized the need for stricter traffic regulations and regular vehicle maintenance. He urged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), traffic police, and vehicle owners to ensure that all vehicles are properly serviced.

“This accident could have been avoided. We must take extra caution, especially now that we are in the rainy season and traffic is heavier than usual,” Makanga said. “Drivers need to be disciplined and follow traffic regulations.”

The MCA also highlighted that Kibarani is a known accident blackspot and called for urgent safety interventions such as road expansion and the installation of speed bumps and footbridges to protect pedestrians and drivers.